A Descriptive Comparative Study of Vaginal Infection Control Practices between Rural and Urban Women

Background: Vaginal infection (VI) is a global health problem for women that requires specific
control practices. The aim: The study aimed to compare women from rural and urban areas in 
Minia governorate in Egypt regarding their vaginal infection control practices. Setting: One public 
hospital in Minia city and three public health centers in three villages (Bani Ahmed, Tahnashi, and 
El-Bourjia) in Minia governorate in Egypt. Design: A descriptive comparative research design. 
Sampling: A convenient sample included 200 women [rural women = 100 and urban women = 
100] were recruited in the current study. Tools: Two tools were used to collect data, Tool I: 
Interviewing questionnaire that includes 4 parts. Part 1: Sociodemographic characteristics, Part 2:
Reproductive history, Part 3: Characteristics of vaginal discharge and Part 4: Personal hygiene 
habits. Tool II: Vaginal Infection Control Practices Scale includes 2 parts: Part 1: Vaginal infection 
control practices. Part 2: Practice during menstruation to avoid lower reproductive tract infection.
Results: The percentage of urban women was significantly higher than the percentage of rural 
women in terms of maintaining high levels of personal hygiene habits. The most distinct difference 
was the number of showers taken per week. The percentage of urban women was significantly 
higher than the percentage of rural women in terms of their menstruation hygiene practices. The 
most distinct difference was the use of sanitary cotton pads. The percentage of urban women was 
significantly higher than the percentage of rural women in terms of their vaginal infection control 
practices. The most distinct difference was the use of odors to relieve vaginal odor. Conclusion. 
There are significant differences between rural and urban women in terms of personal hygiene 
habits, menstruation hygiene practices, and vaginal infection control practices, favoring urban 
women. Recommendations: It is recommended that promising educational training programs and 
/or intervention techniques be designed to develop women’s awareness and knowledge of the 
importance of their overall hygiene habits, menstruation hygiene practices, and infection control 
practices for their sexual life and overall health.