Abstract:

The Effects of Being in Prison on Women's Genital Hygiene Practical Objective: The study aims to determine the effect of prison stay on women’s genital hygiene practices. Method: This study is conducted on 100 female chosen by cross-sectional, randomized sampling method. 50 female prisoners compared with 50 non-prisoner female in order to determine the effects of being in prison on genital hygiene behaviors. Data obtained from two questionnaires analyzed with t test and chi-squire test. Results: In this study it was concluded that unawareness level about normal vaginal discharge was higher(90.0% vs 72.0%), abnormal vaginal discharge ratio was higher (58.0% vs 30.0%) applying to a doctor due to abnormal vaginal discharge ratio was lower (14.3% vs 53.8%) in prisoner participants than nonprisoners. These differences were statically significant. It was also concluded that genital area drying behavior was more common (64.0% vs 92.0%) and accuracy of genital drying behavior ratio was higher (15.6% vs 39.1%), vaginal shower behavior was higher lower (46.2% vs 38.5%) shower ratio during menstruation period was lower(78.5% vs 16.7%) in non-prisoner participants. Two groups were found similar for genital area cleaning methods, hand washing behavior after using bathroom, frequency of underwear changing, use of hygienic pads, frequency of hygienic pad changing, being able to provide hygienic pad needs, hand washing behavior before and after changing hygienic pads and shower taking method during menstruation period. Conclusion: The present study revealed certain shortcomings about the genital hygiene practices of the women in prison where made this study. Healthcare workers could improve the genital hygiene practices of the women in prison through health education and counseling services and thus contribute to the protection and improvement of women’s health.

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