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Abstract #157994

Katherine S. Redding, MSPH¹, Isabel Scarinci, PhD, MPH², Isabel Garces, MPH³, Sharina Person, PhD⁴, and Ellen Funkhouser, DrPH¹. (1) Division of Preventive Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1717 11th Ave S., Rm 504, Birmingham, AL 35205, (2) Preventive Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1717 11th Avenue South, Room 609, Birmingham, AL 35205, 205-996-2827, iscarinci@uab.edu, (3) Maternal and child health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Public Health, 1324 11th Avenue South B7  , Birmingham, AL 35205, (4) Division of Preventive Medicine, Univ. of Alabama, Birmingham, 1717 11th Ave. South, Room 612, Birmingham, AL 35205

Background: Little is known about vaginal douching among Latina immigrants in the U.S. Understanding factors associated with douching is important due to the negative reproductive outcomes associated with the practice. Purpose: This study examined demographic and behavioral factors associated with vaginal douching among Latina immigrants. Methods: A cross-sectional anonymous survey was administered to a convenience sample of 206 Latina immigrants aged 19-44 years (mean= 28) living in the U.S. at least six months (mean = 4 years). Demographic and behavioral characteristics, history of regular douching (at least once a month for six months), and current regular douching (at least once a month for the last six months) were assessed. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) were estimated using multiple logistic regression. Results: Overall, 24.5% of women reported ever douching regularly and 15.9% reported current regular douching. Ever douching was significantly associated with a woman's number of lifetime sex partners (aOR= 1.63 per additional partner over one, p= 0.02), hormonal contraceptive use (aOR= 0.31, p= 0.03), and healthcare seeking behavior (aOR= 2.34, p= 0.04). Ever douching regularly was marginally associated with being nulliparous, having a history of chronic disease, and living in the U.S. for four or more years. Conclusions: Regular vaginal douching is common among Latina immigrants. Factors associated with douching in this population are markedly different from those in other U.S. populations. Douching interventions in the healthcare setting may be effective as women with a history of regular douching were more likely to seek curative and preventive care.

Learning Objectives:

• 1.Identify the proportion of Latina immigrants that have ever practiced vaginal douching.
• 2.Describe factors associated with a history of regular vaginal douching among Latina immigrants.

Keywords: Latinas, Immigrant Women

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No