The relationship between perceived genital self-image and genital hygiene practices in reproductive age women and influencing factors

Abstract

Aim The aim of the study was to determine the relationship and influencing factors between the perceived genital self-image of women of reproductive age and genital hygiene practices. Methods The universe of this cross sectional study consisted of women aged 18-49 in Turkey. The sample consisting of 456 women, was determined using a known population sampling method. Data were collected through an online survey employing a snowball sampling technique. The research, characterized as a cross sectional exploratory study, utilized instruments such as a "Demographic Information Form", "The Female Genital Self-Image Scale (FGSIS)", and the "Genital Hygiene Behaviors Scale (GHBS)". Data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0. Descriptive statistics, t test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation analysis, and simple and multiple regression analyses were applied. A post hoc power analysis was conducted using G*Power 3.1, and the achieved statistical power exceeded 0.99. Results were evaluated at a 95% confidence interval and a p <0.05 statistical significance level.Results It was associated with some defining characteristics of women. The women's total FGSIS score was 13.11 +/- 3.96 (min: 7, max: 28), and the mean total score of GHBS was 41.07 +/- 8.47 (min: 23, max: 115). There was a significant relationship between FGSIS and GHBS (p < 0.001). The average GHBS score significantly predicted women's genital self-image (p < 0.001). The total GHBS score significantly predicted genital self-image and explained 12% of the variance in FGSIS. GHBS subdimensions explained 14% of the variance in genital self-image. In the multiple regression analysis, abnormal finding awareness and general hygiene habits were significant predictors of genital self-image, whereas menstrual hygiene was not a significant predictor. Abnormal finding awareness emerged as the strongest predictor of genital self-image. Conclusion Women's genital self-image and genital hygiene behaviors were positively associated. Awareness of genital health and general hygiene habits appear to play a more important role in genital self-image than menstrual hygiene practices. Interventions aimed at improving genital health awareness and healthy hygiene behaviors may contribute to a more positive genital self-image among women.