Self -Care Practice and Awareness Regarding Vulvo Vaginal Candidiasis (VVC) Among Adolescent Girls in Selected Schools, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

Vulvovaginal Candidiasis is one of the most common causes of vaginal infection and, remains a significant problem among female. It is likely that 75% of female will experience at least one episode in their lifetime, with a 50% of all female experiencing various episodes. Reproductive hormones in adolescents cause vast changes in tissues increase the susceptibility to (VVC). In recent years, it has become more common for young to consult health centers because of vulvar discomfort and abnormal vaginal discharge that probably develop a chronic pain syndrome or vulvar vestibulitis. This study aims to assess self-care practices & awareness regarding vulvo vaginal candidiasis among adolescent girls. A descriptive design was selected. Non probability convenience sampling were used to select the 100 samples. The population of the study was considered as adolescent girls who were studying 8^th&9^th standard. Selected participants were from Sri Netaji Pilot High School, Nellore. Standard tools were used to collect the data from participants. The content validity of tool was obtained by various experts from medical and surgical department. The pilot study was conducted with 10 samples. Data collection of the main study done for 4 weeks. The data was collected by using self-administered questionnaire in various aspects of vulvo vaginal candidiasis. The base line data was tabulated by formulating frequency table. Level of awareness was assessed by using descriptive statistics. More than two thirds (84%) of the adolescent girls have poor awareness regarding the prevention of vulvo vaginal candidiasis, and more than one quarter (12%) of them have adequate awareness. 25% of them are having positive practice and majority 75% of adolescent girls are having negative self-care practice. In additional, there was significant association between father education and adolescent girls’ awareness regarding the prevention of vaginal candidiasis. There was significant association between self-care practice with Age, mother’s occupation, father’s education, father’s occupation, socio economic and monthly income. Concerning adolescent girls heath practices to prevent vaginal candidiasis. The present study had been supported by a serious of other studies, this study recommended that organized and implemented a health education program by specialized academic nursing staff to educate adolescent girls as regards all updates of reproductive tract infections and its preventive measures.