American Journal of Nursing Science 2018; 7(6): 254-267 http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/j/ajns doi: 10.11648/j.ajns.20180706.19 ISSN: 2328-5745 (Print); ISSN: 2328-5753 (Online) Effect of Educational Program on Vulvitis Prevention Among Nursing Students Somaya Ouda Abd EL-Menim 1, Huda Abdalla Moursi 2, Ahlam Elahmady Mohamed Sarhan 2 1Obstetric and Woman Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Benha University, Benha, Egypt 2Community Health Nursing, Benha University, Benha, Egypt Email address: To cite this article: Somaya Ouda Abd EL-Menim, Huda Abdalla Moursi, Ahlam Elahmady Mohamed Sarhan. Effect of Educational Program on Vulvitis Prevention among Nursing Students. American Journal of Nursing Science . Vol. 7, No. 6, 2018, pp. 254-267. doi: 10.11648/j.ajns.20180706.19 Received : November 7, 2018; Accepted : November 23, 2018; Published : January 2, 2019 Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of educational program on vulvitis prevention among nursing students Research design: A quasi-experimental design was utilized. Setting: This study was conducted at Faculty of Nursing, Benha University. Sample: convenient sample included two hundred and fifty nursing students female all enrolled in first academic years. Tools of data collection1) a structured interviewing sheet to collect data about socio-demographic characteristics, menstrual and gynecological history and knowledge of nursing students regarding vulvitis 2) reported practices assessment 3) modified likert scale for students' attitude regarding vulvitis. Results: there were general improvements regarding students' knowledge, attitude and practice regarding prevention of vulvitis with highly significant (P ≤ 0.001) difference after educational Program. The mother was the main sources of knowledge to students (60%). There was insignificant relation between students' total knowledge, total attitude and total practice scores with their age. Conclusion: The implementation of educational Program significantly improved students’ knowledge, practices and attitude towards prevention of vulvitis. There were positive high statistically significant correlations between students' total knowledge, total practices and total attitude scores after educational Program. Recommendation: Provide students booklets and pamphlet about healthy habits and measures to prevent infection in reproductive system. Replication of the study on a larger sample and in different geographical areas in Egypt is recommended for generalization of findings. Keywords: Educational Program, Vulvitis, Prevention bacteria [3]. 1. Introduction The goal of vulvar care is to keep the vulva dry and free The vulva is the first line of defense to protect the genital from irritants, in this way, can prevent the vulva from tract from infection. Contaminants often collect in the vulvar becoming red, swollen and irritated, because many folds, and increased moisture; sweating, menses, and infections are introduced into the vagina [4]. Inflammation hormonal fluctuations influence vulvar microbial growth and of the vulva is called vulvitis, It is very common and can species balance, potentially resulting in odor and vulva occur in women of all ages [5]. Infections that may cause infection [1]. Vulva or external genital organs, includes all vulvitis are candidiasis, genital herps and warts. Infestations structures visible externally from the pubis to the perineum. with pubic lice or scabies are possible causes. vulvitis may These include the mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, also occur as result of changes in the vulval skin. These clitoris, vestibular glands, vaginal vestibule, vaginal orifice, changes tend to affect women after the menopause, and urethral opening [2]. The vulvar tissue is richly supplied although there is no apparent trigger. Inflammation take with sweat and sebaceous glands, and some areas contain form of red or white patches thickened or thinned areas. hair follicles as well; the vulvar region supports a moist Other possible causes of vulvitis include allergic reactions environment that contains increased concentrations of skin to hygiene products, excessive vaginal discharge, or urinary incontinence [6]. 255 Somaya Ouda Abd EL-Menim et al. : Effect of Educational Program on Vulvitis Prevention among Nursing Students Vulvitis is more likely caused due to unhygienic practices school and faculties students [17]. In 2013 external genital as the mal-use of soaps or douche, poor menstrual hygiene, organs infection rates among 15- to 19-year-old female were and tissue damage, in addition, to the personal unhygienic considerably higher, at 3043.3 cases per 100,000 [18] 10- behaviors such as swimming in polluted water, or using 20% untreated women, infection spreads up the genital tract contaminated towels, and using irritating and tight to cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) and damage to nonabsorbent underwear [7, 8]. Symptoms include vulvar the fallopian tube [19]. also Genital infection can cause the itching and/ or burning: excoriation of vulva, scaly thickened female embarrassment, may lower self- image, and may white patches. The diagnosis is based on the patient's negatively affect relationships [20]. Egyptian females' symptoms and on inspection of the vulva. Treatment is to University students receive insufficient reproductive health discourage tight clothing, urge sitz baths to decrease itching, education through the formal Education in Schools & apply topical estrogen cream and water – based vaginal University system [21]. lubricants [9] . Complications ascending infection (an infection that moves through the vagina to internal structures) 1.2. Aim of the Study is a potential complication of vulvitis and vaginitis. Infection This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of confined to the lower reproductive tract seldom poses a threat educational program on vulvitis prevention among nursing to life or fertility [10]. students through: Female students have a high risk of making unhealthy (1) Assessing nursing students' knowledge regarding lifestyle choices that could affect their health and wellbeing. vulvitis (pre and post educational program). This is the result and influence of a variety of popular (2) Assessing nursing students' knowledge regarding cultures among this age group, and the typical peer pressure prevention of vulvitis (pre and post educational encountered during these years. Uninformed, university and program). college students could formulate inaccurate and incomplete (3) Assessing nursing students' practice regarding notions regarding health, lifestyle, physical activity and prevention of vulvitis (pre and post educational fitness [11]. Awareness and knowledge regarding the program). prevention and control of reproductive tract morbidity in (4) Assessing nursing students' attitude regarding order to uncover the asymptomatic infections must be prevention vulvitis (pre and post educational program). supplemented with reliable and appropriate instructions and guidance for early diagnosis of the wide range of genital tract 1.3. Research Hypothesis infections [12]. Education in health is one of the key components of Student nurses who received educational program would primary health care and one of the most vital health care have improved knowledge, attitude and practices regarding requirements for female that must be considered much more prevention of vulvitis than before educational program. in the primary health care system, particularly maternal and child health [13]. Health education conducted by nursing 2. Subjects and Method personnel helps imparting knowledge regarding prevention of vulva infection among female. The nurse can educate female 2.1. Research Design regarding genital infection, recommended treatment, A quasi experimental (pre/post test) design was utilized in preventive measures and risky behavior change. This this study. education will help female to understand in depth about genital infection; thereby can adopt healthy life style 2.2. Setting practices which will prevent further complication [14]. Health teaching should include the prevention of future This study was conducted in Faculty of Nursing at Benha infections. Teaching girls at an early age to wipe front to University. This particular setting was chosen because it is back after toileting, Avoiding tight fitting clothes and nylon has large number of female students. panties assist in prevention [15]. 2.3. Subject The Nurse plays an important role in preventing vulvitis through counseling and education. Nurses must give health 2.3.1. Sample Type teaching to student to prevent having vulvitis such as wear Convenient sample loose clothing, choose cotton underwear, hygiene the vulva by soaking for five minutes in lukewarm water to avoid any 2.3.2. Sample Size residue of lotions or other products. Pat dry, and use any Number 250 female university students (all students prescribed medication or a soothing and substance such as female who enrolled in first academic years). Vaseline or olive oil [16]. 2.3.3. Technique 1.1. Significant of Study All students in the first academic years divided to sub group (10 group) every group consist of 25 student to allow Vulvitis is the most common gynecological problem the researchers interactive, demonstration and re- among female was found to affect all preparatory, secondary demonstration, discussion with group and collect data. American Journal of Nursing Science 2018; 7(6): 254-267 256 2.4. Tools of Data Collection 2.5.2. Tools Reliability