Knowledge and Self-care Practices of Women Regarding Abnormal Vaginal Discharge.

Abstract

Background: Abnormal vaginal discharge is not a disease for itself but it is a symptom of other diseases as reproductive tract infections and sexual transmitted diseases, and if it isn't treated well it may lead to massive complications Objective: To explore the knowledge and self-care practices of women regarding abnormal vaginal discharge. Design: A descriptive exploratory research design was developed. Setting: The study was conducted at the gynecological outpatient clinic affiliated to Damanhour Medical National Institute in ElBeheira governorate. Subjects: A convenience sample of 200 women was selected. Tools: three tools were used for data collection. The first tool: Socio-demographic characteristics and clinical data structured interview schedule, The second tool: women's knowledge about abnormal vaginal discharge. The third tool: women's self-care practices regarding abnormal vaginal discharge. Results: Findings of the present study revealed that the women had unsatisfactory knowledge and self-care practices regarding vaginal discharge. In addition, there was a significant statistical relation between socio-demograghic characteristics and women’s total score of knowledge and self-care practices. Conclusion: The study concluded that women demonstrated unsatisfactory knowledge and self-care practices regarding abnormal vaginal discharge. Recommendations: Health care provider should prepare and apply health programs to increase the community awareness about vaginal discharge characteristics and early medical checkup that will improve hygienic practices and therefore decrease abnormal vaginal discharge.