Analyzing the Relationship Between Genital Hygiene Behaviors in Women and Urinary Tract Infection in Any Period of Life

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: In this study, it is aimed to evaluate the relationship between urinary tract infection [UTI] and genital hygiene behaviors in any period of life. METHODS: The study is single-center and descriptive. All women agreed to participate in the study from the patients admitted to the Health Sciences University Şişli Hamidiye Etfal Research Hospital Family Practice Clinic any reason is planned to be included in the survey. A questionnaire consisting of 36 questions questioning the participants' socio-demographic and genital hygiene behaviors was applied face to face. RESULTS: 142 patients were included in the study. The average age is 38.5 +- 14.2 (min=18, max=70). It was 104 (%73,2) people who had UTI at any time. There was no relation between socio-demographic features and UTI at any time (p≥0.05). In the questioning of Obstetrics and Gynecology information, there was no relationship between the number of pregnancies, the number of births, the most recent birth type, and currently being in menopause and UTI at any time (p≥0.05), but a relationship with the gynecological operation was found (p=0.038). There was a significant correlation between performing genital area cleaning from the back to the front and transmitting UTI in any period (p=0.041). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: As a result, a relationship was found between performing genital area cleaning from the back to the front, having a gynecological operation, and transmitting UTI at any time in life. We think that organizing the right hygiene education and increase the awareness of society will decrease UTI.

Keywords

• female urogenital diseases
• infection control
• hygiene.