Faculty Publications

Attitudes And Sociocultural Factors Influencing Vaginal Douching Behavior Among English-Speaking Latinas

Document Type

Article

Keywords

Latinas, Reproductive health, Vaginal douching

Journal/Book/Conference Title

American Journal of Health Behavior

Volume

33

Issue

5

First Page

558

Last Page

568

Abstract

Objectives: To describe the practice/ correlates of douching among a national sample of English-speaking Latinas. Methods: Three hundred twenty-five (325) computer-assisted telephone interviews were completed. Analyses compare ever douchers to never douchers and identify correlates of douching. Results: Of respondents, 50% had ever douched; 15% douched at least monthly. Douching practices among respondents were similar to those of other groups. Age at sexual debut was the strongest correlate of ever douching. Regular douching significantly increased as the perceived benefits of douching and the number of sources recommending douching increased. Conclusions: Interventions to prevent douching and to support cessation should be tailored to characteristics and perceptions of Latinas. Targeting secondary audiences may prove valuable.

Department

School of Health, Physical Education, and Leisure Services

Original Publication Date

12-1-2009

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