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Why do women douche? Results from a qualitative study.
J A Gazmararian1, F C Bruce, J S Kendrick
1USQA Center for Health Care Research, Atlanta, Georgia 30339, USA. julie.gazmararian@aetna.com
Maternal and Child Health Journal
|October 19, 2001
Summary
Women
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Sociology of Health
Background:
- Douching is a common practice among women.
- Understanding women's perceptions of douching is crucial for public health initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore women's attitudes and practices regarding douching.
- To identify factors influencing douching behavior.
Main Methods:
- Focus groups were conducted with 61 Black and White women aged 18+ in Memphis, Tennessee.
- Participants were enrolled in a managed care plan and had a history of douching.
Main Results:
- Thirteen themes emerged, categorized into perceptions of feminine hygiene, douching behavior, perpetuating factors, and health information.
- Women hold deeply-rooted beliefs about douching promoting cleanliness.
Conclusions:
- Douching behavior, often initiated young and reinforced socially and through media, is difficult to change.
- Interventions must address underlying beliefs and media influences, not just risk information.
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