What question did this study set out to answer?

The study aims to explore the attitudes and practices of pregnant women in Turkey regarding traditional and complementary medicine for abnormal vaginal discharge.

March 26, 2026Open Access

Traditional and complementary medicine attitudes and practices of pregnant women for abnormal vaginal discharge

ÖYÖznur Yaşar HKHediye Kalıpcıoglu

Key Points

The study aims to explore the attitudes and practices of pregnant women in Turkey regarding traditional and complementary medicine for abnormal vaginal discharge.
Descriptive study conducted with 306 pregnant women via online surveys
Data collection tools included a Personal Identification Form and a Complementary, Alternative and Conventional Medicine Attitudes Scale
Evaluated the relationships between demographics, hygiene education, and traditional medicine usage
15% of participants reported using traditional and complementary medicine methods for vaginal discharge
Niaouli oil was the most commonly used method among those utilizing traditional practices
Majority had not received genital hygiene education (60.5%)
Attitudes towards traditional medicine were moderate, with significant differences based on working status and prenatal visit frequency

Abstract

During pregnancy, vaginal flora pH changes and vaginal discharge may increase. Pregnant women may resort to traditional methods for vaginal discharge, but some traditional practices may cause health problems. This study aimed to examine the attitudes of pregnant women in Turkey towards traditional and complementary medicine attitude and the traditional practices they use for abnormal vaginal discharge. This descriptive study was conducted with 306 pregnant women using an online survey via social media platforms. The Personal Identification Form and the Complementary, Alternative and Conventional Medicine Attitudes Scale were used as data collection tools. 60.5% of participants had not received genital hygiene education. 15% of participants used traditional and complementary medicine methods for vaginal discharge, and 57.1% of those who used these methods used niaouli oil. The mean score obtained from the Complementary, Alternative and Conventional Medicine Attitudes Scale was 106.32 ± 21.76. The attitude scores of non-working participants were significantly higher than those of working participants (p = 0.018). Participants who had fewer than four prenatal visits and those who did not receive genital hygiene education had higher total scale scores (p = 0.001 and p = 0.026). Additionally, visiting a doctor when experiencing abnormal vaginal discharge was found to negatively affect the total scale score (p = 0.010). Pregnant women’s attitudes toward traditional and complementary medicine practices were generally moderate, while the rates of using traditional and complementary medicine methods for vaginal discharge and receiving genital hygiene education were low. Therefore, it is recommended that healthcare professionals inquire about pregnant women’s use of CAM methods during prenatal checkups, provide genital hygiene education, and incorporate CAM methods into prenatal education programs based on evidence-based information.

Ask AI

Helpful

Bookmark

View Full Paper