The Vulvovaginal Candidiasis, Genital Hygiene Behaviors and Self-Efficacy in Patients with Diabetes: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: The study aimed to investigate the relationship between vaginal candida, genital hygiene behaviors, and self-efficacy in patients with diabetes.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in two state hospitals in Sinop and Bolu in Turkey. A total of 267 patients who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. Data were collected using a questionnaire for descriptive characteristics developed by the researchers, the Inventory of Genital Hygiene Behavior, and the Self-Efficacy-Type 2 Scale.

Results: Participants frequently had genitalia itching (20.2%), genitalia burning (18%), dyspareunia (15%), and vaginal itching (11.2%). In the study, 14.2% of women applied to an obstetrician due to their current symptoms, and 13.5% took treatment for the diagnosis of vaginitis. Although 4.1% had some symptoms, they did not consult an obstetrician and did not receive a diagnosis. The positive and low correlation was between the Inventory of Genital Hygiene Behavior, Self-Efficacy-Type 2 scale, and medical treatment and physical exercise sub-dimensions of the scale (p<0.05). There was also a significant difference Self-Efficacy-Type 2 scale and the medical treatment sub-dimension (p<0.05). The mean scores of the Inventory of Genital Hygiene Behavior and Self-Efficacy-Type 2 scale differed significantly according to the presence of vaginal infection symptoms.

Conclusion: Patients with diabetes need information on sexual health and genital hygiene from healthcare professionals. However, the developing self-efficacy level in the patients may help with genital hygiene behaviors and prevent vaginal infections.