Abstract:

Abstract Background: Genital hygiene behaviors and sexual life quality that directly affect women's reproductive health has not been sufficiently investigated in the countries where traditional understanding is dominant, such as Turkey. In the present study, it was aimed to determine the genital hygiene and sexual life quality of women in the fertilization period and to evaluate their relations with each other. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 165 women aged between 15-49 years who applied to a primary health care center in Karabük from March to April 2021. 11 questions were asked to evaluate the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants. The genital hygiene behaviors of the participants were evaluated with the Genital Hygiene Behaviors Evaluation Inventory consisting of 27 questions, and their sexual life quality was evaluated with the Sexual Life Quality Scale consisting of 18 questions. Questionnaires and scales were applied to the participants in the virtual. Results: The average age of the participants was 40 (18-49) years. Participants’ genital hygiene behaviors inventory mean score was 56 (30-92) and the average score on sexual life quality scale was found 55.6 (23-90). Both scale scores were found to be significantly higher in university graduates, women whose husbands are university graduates, working and economically well-off women, living in rural areas, and women with a single child. There was a significant positive correlation between genital hygiene behaviors and sexual life quality (r: 0.416, p <0.001). Conclusion: Genital hygiene behaviors of the women were low and their sexual quality of life scores were moderate. In addition, a positive correlation was found between both the scales. Women being educated on the genital hygiene can positively affect their sexual life quality. At the same time, it may be beneficial to give trainings emphasizing that sexual life is an important part of health for couples, taking into account the privacy conditions in health institutions. Key Words: Genital hygiene, Sexual life, Women's health