Effect of Peer Education on Genital Hygiene Behaviors

Overview

This study examined whether peer education improves genital hygiene behaviors among female university students studying health sciences. Genital infections are common among young women, and there are limited structured educational programs addressing genital hygiene. The study included 46 female university students and used a pretest-posttest design. Peer educators were selected from among the students and received structured training before delivering genital hygiene education to their peers. Information was collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire and a validated genital hygiene behaviors scale, both before and after the education program. After the peer education program, students showed an overall improvement in genital hygiene behaviors, particularly in general hygiene habits. Improvements were more noticeable among students from non-midwifery departments and second-year students. Menstrual hygiene behaviors and awareness of abnormal genital findings did not show significant changes. These findings suggest that peer education can be an effective and practical approach to improving genital hygiene behaviors among female university students. Peer-led education programs may be integrated into university health promotion activities and reproductive health education.

This study used a quasi-experimental single-group pretest-posttest design to evaluate the impact of a peer education intervention on genital hygiene behaviors among female university students in health sciences programs. Participants were recruited on a voluntary basis. Peer educators were identified using a sociometric selection method and received structured training prior to the intervention. The training program covered topics related to genital hygiene practices, menstrual hygiene, and recognition of abnormal genital symptoms. Following the training, peer educators delivered standardized educational sessions to their peers. Data collection was conducted at two time points: before the peer education intervention (pretest) and after completion of the intervention (posttest). Data were obtained using a sociodemographic information form and a validated genital hygiene behaviors assessment tool. The intervention was designed to improve knowledge, attitudes, and daily hygiene practices related to genital health. The primary objective was to assess changes in overall genital hygiene behavior scores following the peer education intervention. Secondary objectives included evaluating changes in specific domains of genital hygiene behaviors. The study did not include a control group. This record describes a completed study and reflects the final data collection and analysis.