Racial differences in vaginal douching knowledge, attitude, and practices among sexually active adolescents

The study sought to assess knowledge of, attitude toward, and practices of vaginal douching among adolescent females attending a public family planning clinic, in order to better understand racial influences on douching.

In this descriptive, cross-sectional study, a one-page questionnaire was administered to all adolescent females (< or=19 years) presenting to a public family planning clinic in a small southern city between March 1 and May 31, 1999.

Of the 169 participants, the mean age was 17.0 years (+/-1.5 years), 53% were Caucasian, and 47% were African-American. Sixty-nine percent of participants reported vaginal douching, mostly for hygienic reasons (68%). Those reporting vaginal douching were more likely to have a history of sexual intercourse (P < 0.01) and a history of one or more sexually transmitted diseases (P < 0.05). Age of first douche correlated positively with age of first sexual intercourse (r = 0.34, P < 0.001). African-Americans did not douche to a greater degree than Caucasians. However, racial differences were noted in knowledge of and attitude toward vaginal douching.

Vaginal douching was a common practice among adolescent females attending a public family planning clinic in a small southern city. Culturally appropriate educational strategies for African-American and Caucasian adolescent females should improve awareness of adverse events associated with vaginal douching, despite family and personal beliefs about this practice.