Effect of Nursing Intervention on Knowledge about Genital Hygienic Practices Regarding Vaginal Infection among Intrauterine Device Users and Non-Users

Abstract

Background: Vaginal infection is a part of reproductive tract infection recognized as a major problem for women's health. Aim of the study: To evaluate the effect of nursing intervention on knowledge about genital hygienic practices regarding vaginal infection among intrauterine device users and non-users. Methods: A quasi experimental interventional research design with pre/post-tests. The study was conducted at the family planning outpatient clinics in Zagazig university hospital. Sample: A purposive sample of a total of 90 women who was recruited according certain inclusion criteria. The study sample was divided into two groups; first group women who used intrauterine device (48) and the second group women who used other contraceptive methods (non IUD users (42). Two tools were used: Tool I: A structured interview schedule; it consisted of three parts: First part: deals with socio-demographic characteristics of respondents, the second part: current contraceptive data while the third part: To assess women's knowledge regarding genital hygienic practices. Tool II: High vaginal swab specimen. Results: The study finding revealed that 79.1% of IUD users complain from vaginal discharge as compared to 54.7% in other methods and Escherichia coli was the most common organism in both groups with a higher percentage in IUD users group than non IUD users (37.5% & 16.6% respectively). Additionally, statistically significant improvements were detected in total knowledge score among the studied sample regarding to their genital hygienic practices through the intervention phase's dimensions as well as in total at the post-intervention phase .p<0.001 Conclusion: Implementation of planned educational intervention was effective as a method to improve the knowledge of studied women as regards genital hygienic practices. Recommendations: Health education and training intervention about genital hygienic behavior should be provided to all nurses worked in primary health care services to improve women's knowledge.