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Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Collection, Isolation, and Flow Cytometric Analysis of Human Endocervical Samples
Published on: July 6, 2014
Vaginal practices of HIV-negative Zimbabwean women
Abigail Norris Turner1, Charles S Morrison, Marshall W Munjoma
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Medical Center, 410 West 10th Avenue, Doan Hall, N-11, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. ant@osumc.edu
Background:
Vaginal practices (VPs) may increase HIV risk by injuring vaginal epithelium or by increasing risk of bacterial vaginosis, an established risk factor for HIV.
Methods:
HIV-negative Zimbabwean women (n = 2,185) participating in a prospective study on hormonal contraception and HIV risk completed an ancillary questionnaire capturing detailed VP data at quarterly followup visits for two years.
Results:
Most participants (84%) reported ever cleansing inside the vagina, and at 40% of visits women reported drying the vagina using cloth or paper. Vaginal tightening using cloth/cotton wool, lemon juice, traditional herbs/powders, or other products was reported at 4% of visits. Women with ≥15 unprotected sex acts monthly had higher odds of cleansing (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.17, 95% CI: 1.04-1.32). Women with sexually transmitted infections had higher odds of tightening (aOR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.08-1.86).
Conclusion:
Because certain vaginal practices were associated with other HIV risk factors, synergism between VPs and other risk factors should be explored.
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