PDF(Pubmed)
Abstract：
Introduction Vaginal discharge (VD) is a common condition that affects women during their childbearing years and often requires medical attention. It results from the physiological secretion of cervical and Bartholin\'s glands, as well as the shedding of vaginal epithelial cells caused by bacterial action in the vagina, which alters the acidic environment of the vagina. Experiencing vaginal symptoms is a common reason for seeking medical attention, especially among women during their reproductive years. This often leads to a visit to an obstetrician or a gynecologist. Accordingly, addressing such issues becomes even more crucial. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge and practice regarding abnormal VD (AVD) among adolescent females in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia. Methods The present study utilized a correlational cross-sectional survey methodology conducted in Riyadh City. The questionnaire was employed as the data collection instrument from November 2022 to November 2023. Eligibility for inclusion was limited to adolescent females and students living in Riyadh City, aged from 14 to 20 years. Electronic consent was obtained from participants aged 18 years and above, while consent from guardians was sought for those below 18 years. This sample size was determined with a minimum requirement of 500 participants, and 824 were involved. The questionnaire encompassed several sections, including demographic characteristics (gender, age, education, and menstruation history), history of AVD, knowledge regarding VD, and students\' practices and behaviors related to VD. Cronbach\'s alpha values for all the sections were more than 0.7. Data analysis was performed using statistical software, employing descriptive analysis, chi-square tests, and t-tests. Results A total of 824 girls were included, and their ages ranged from 14 to 20 years, with a mean age of (16 years ± 5) years old. Exactly 697 (84.6%) were high school students. Most of the study students (85.1%; 701) complained of an AVD at any point in their lives. Only 97 (11.8%) of the study students had a good knowledge level of VD. Higher age, marriage, late menarche, and seeking medical care for complaints of VD were the factors associated with a high knowledge level about VD (P<0.05). Additionally, 44.2% of school-age females sought medical care when experiencing AVD, with reasons including worsening symptoms over time and fear of serious diseases. However, a significant portion of participants opted for self-treatment using herbal remedies, medication from pharmacies, or leaving VD untreated, citing reasons such as perceiving it as a simple condition or fearing examination and disclosure. Conclusion In summary, the current study revealed that adolescent females demonstrate a sub-optimal level of knowledge regarding AVD. These findings are primarily observed among adolescent girls and individuals who exhibit a reluctance to seek appropriate medical intervention when having AVD.
摘要：
简介阴道放电（VD）是一种常见的疾病，会影响育龄妇女，通常需要医疗护理。它来自宫颈和前庭大腺的生理分泌，以及阴道中细菌作用引起的阴道上皮细胞脱落，这改变了阴道的酸性环境。经历阴道症状是就医的常见原因，尤其是在育龄妇女中。这通常导致访问产科医生或妇科医生。因此，解决这些问题变得更加重要。这项研究的目的是评估利雅得市青春期女性中关于异常VD（AVD）的知识和实践，沙特阿拉伯。方法本研究采用在利雅得市进行的相关横断面调查方法。该问卷于2022年11月至2023年11月被用作数据收集工具。纳入资格仅限于居住在利雅得市的青春期女性和学生，年龄从14岁到20岁。获得18岁及以上参与者的电子同意书，而18岁以下的人则寻求监护人的同意。这个样本量是根据500名参与者的最低要求确定的，824人参与其中。问卷包括几个部分，包括人口统计学特征(性别，年龄,教育,和月经史），AVD的历史，关于VD的知识，以及学生与VD相关的实践和行为。Cronbach的所有部分的alpha值都超过0.7。使用统计软件进行数据分析，采用描述性分析，卡方检验,和t检验。结果共纳入824名女童,他们的年龄从14岁到20岁不等，平均年龄（16岁±5）岁。高中生恰好为697（84.6％）。大多数研究学生（85.1％;701）在他们生命中的任何时候都抱怨AVD。只有97名（11.8％）的研究学生具有良好的VD知识水平。年龄较高,婚姻,月经初潮较晚,对VD的投诉和就医是VD知识水平较高的相关因素（P<0.05）。此外,44.2%的学龄期女性在经历AVD时寻求医疗护理，原因包括随着时间的推移症状恶化和对严重疾病的恐惧。然而,很大一部分参与者选择使用草药进行自我治疗，药房的药物，或者不治疗VD，引用原因，如认为它是一个简单的条件或害怕检查和披露。结论总之,当前的研究表明，青春期女性对AVD的知识水平处于次优水平。这些发现主要在青春期女孩和患有AVD时不愿寻求适当医疗干预的个人中观察到。
