Knowledge And Attitude Towards Vaginal Douching Among Females In Al Ahsa, Eastern Region, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: The practice of cleansing the vagina with water or other liquid solutions is known as vaginal douching (VD). In the female society douching helped them feel clean, healthy, however, vaginal douching has negative health consequences including bacterial vaginosis, upper genital tract infections, and cervical cancer, difficulties conceiving, and a higher risk of ectopic pregnancy. Objectives: To evaluate the knowledge and attitude towards vaginal douching/hygiene practices among females in the Al-Ahasa region, Saudi Arabia Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia, 2022-2023 among adult females 18 years old and above, living in Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. A self-administered online survey was conducted to collect data. Results: A total of 422 women completed the study survey, 81% were from urban areas. 187 44.3% of the study women reported they practice vaginal douching while 55.7% were not practicing VD. Vaginal douching was, when necessary, among 87 (46.5%), and weekly among 76 (40.6%). The most reported reason for VD was Cleanliness (64.7%) and 62% used antiseptic for douching. 64.5% of women with low education levels practiced VD compared to 41.2% of university graduates with recorded statistical significance (P=.026). Women's age, residence, and employment were insignificantly associated with VD practice. Regarding the source of information, 29.4% were given information about douching by health workers. Totally, 342 (81%) of the study women had an overall poor knowledge regarding VD and only 80 (19%) had a good knowledge level (figure 1) Only 27.5% of women with good knowledge practice vaginal douching compared to 48.2% of others with poor knowledge (P=.001). There was no significant relation between women's knowledge regarding VD and its frequency, reasons for practicing, and reasons for not practicing. The most reported symptoms among women who had undergone vaginal douching included vaginal discharge (54% vs. 44.7% of others). Conclusions: Most of the participants had poor knowledge and awareness regarding vaginal douching. A minority of participants received information regarding VD from healthcare workers. This warrants raising awareness of vaginal douching among females by organizing awareness campaigns by healthcare professionals to educate females about vaginal douching practices.