Qualitative Analysis of Sexually Experienced Female Adolescents: Attitudes about Vaginal Health

Jenny K R Francis; Lauren Dapena Fraiz; Marina Catallozzi; Susan L Rosenthal

doi:10.1016/j.jpag.2016.04.003

Qualitative Analysis of Sexually Experienced Female Adolescents: Attitudes about Vaginal Health

J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2016 Oct;29(5):496-500. doi: 10.1016/j.jpag.2016.04.003. Epub 2016 Apr 29.

Authors

Jenny K R Francis¹, Lauren Dapena Fraiz², Marina Catallozzi³, Susan L Rosenthal⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center - College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York; New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York. Electronic address: jf2815@cumc.columbia.edu.
² Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center - College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York.
³ Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center - College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York; New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York; Heilbrunn Department of Population & Family Health, Columbia University Medical Center - Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York.
⁴ Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center - College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York; New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York; Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center - College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York.

Abstract

Study objective: To explore adolescent's perceptions of vaginal health, practices, and vaginally-placed products.

Design: Semistructured interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed until theoretical saturation was achieved.

Setting: Adolescent medicine clinics in New York City.

Participants: Female adolescents (N = 22) who were sexually experienced, predominately Hispanic (73%, n = 16) with a mean age of 17.7 years (range, 15-20 years).

Interventions: None.

Main outcome measures: Interviews were used to assess perspectives on vaginal health, specific vaginal hygiene practices, and attitudes about vaginally-placed products (contraceptive rings, intrauterine devices), and proposed multipurpose technologies administered as ring or gel). The interviews were transcribed and coded for relevant themes.

Results: Overlapping themes included young women's view of their vagina as a space that needed to be healthy for sexual partners and future fertility. The vagina could not be presumed to be healthy and conversations about vaginal health were limited to include only specific individuals. All reported a variety of practices to maintain their vaginal health, including showering 1-5 times a day and using soaps specifically for the vagina. Attitudes about vaginally-placed products revealed concerns about the sensory experience of having a product in the vagina, safety concerns and interest in the product's objective (prevention of pregnancy or infection).

Conclusion: Adolescents have very specific views and practices about their vaginas. Clinicians should initiate conversations about vaginal health and hygiene with adolescents and focus on the normalcy of the vagina. Development of vaginally-placed products should focus on the sensory experience, safety, and purpose of the product.

Keywords: Attitudes and perceptions; Contraception; Multipurpose technology; Qualitative; Reproductive health; Vaginal health; Vaginal practices.

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Adult
Attitude to Health*
Female
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
Humans
Hygiene*
Intrauterine Devices
New York City
Pregnancy
Qualitative Research
Sexual Behavior*
Sexual Partners
Vagina / physiology*
Young Adult

Abstract

MeSH terms

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