Mind the Gap: Assessing Women's Knowledge and Awareness of Vaginal Wind: Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Vaginal wind (VW), a common yet often overlooked complaint, can negatively impact women's quality of life. This study aimed to comprehensively assess women's knowledge and awareness levels regarding VW.

A total of 154 voluntary women were included in this study. Data was collected through a questionnaire that assessed socio-demographic, obstetric, and gynecological characteristics, as well as knowledge and awareness levels pertaining to VW, using open-ended questions. Responses to the open-ended questions were analyzed using content analysis.

Of the women surveyed, 56.5% reported no knowledge of VW. The univariate analysis showed that education level, marital status, and the presence of a partner significantly influenced VW knowledge. Women with a postgraduate degree were significantly more likely to be knowledgeable than those with lower education (OR < 1 for other groups, p < 0.05). Single women had an approximately fivefold higher probability of knowledge (OR = 4.959, p = 0.002). The multiple logistic regression model confirmed that education level and marital status were the strongest independent predictors. Personal experience with VW also significantly increased knowledge (p = 0.003). The proportion of women who believed VW affected their quality of life was higher in the knowledgeable group compared to don't know about VW (59.7% vs. 41%, p = 0.007). No significant difference was found between knowledgeable and uninformed women regarding the perception that VW is not a shameful condition (p < 0.05).

Women's understanding of VW remains limited. Both univariate and multivariate analyses showed VW knowledge and factors such as education level, marital status, and the number of partners. However, the multiple logistic regression model revealed that the number of partners was not an independent predictor of VW knowledge. Personal experience with VW also significantly influences awareness. We recommend that healthcare professionals incorporate both medical risk factors and personal and social dimensions into women's health education initiatives.