Christine M. Markham, PhD¹, Susan Tortolero, PhD², Robert C. Addy, MA³, S. Liliana Escobar-Chaves, DrPH⁴, Melanie Thiel, BA¹, and Nicole McKirahan, MPH⁵. (1) Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research, University of Texas-Houston, 7000 Fannin, 26th floor, Houston, TX 77030, 713 500 9646, Christine.Markham@uth.tmc.edu, (2) Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research, University of Texas - Houston, 7000 Fannin, Ste 2622, Houston, TX 77030, (3) University of Texas Health Science Center Houston, Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research, 7000 Fannin Ste. 2610I, Houston, TX 77030, (4) Center for Health Promotion Research and Development, University of Texas-Houston, 7000 Fannin, 26th floor, Houston, TX 77030, (5) School of Public Health/ Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research, University of Texas-Houston, 7000 Fannin, 26th Floor, Houston, TX 77030

Evidence suggests that vaginal douching is associated with increased risk of bacterial vaginosis, PID, STIs, ectopic pregnancy, and cervical cancer. Previous studies indicate higher douching prevalence among women, who initiate sex early, are sexually active, and live in the southern U.S. However, little is known about factors that influence adolescent douching. Data from female and male alternative high school students in Houston, TX are presented regarding attitudes and behavior related to douching. The study population (n=288) was 63.2% Hispanic, 30.6% Black, mean age 16.96 (SD 1.68). Of 179 girls, 79.9% were sexually experienced, 41.3% initiated sex < 15 years. Ninety-seven (54.2%) ever douched, 77% within the past 6 months. Among those, 16.2% douched monthly, 8.4% weekly, 5.6% daily. Mean age of douching initiation was 15.1 years (SD 2.90). Seventy-five percent learned about douching from their mother, 12.4% from a boyfriend/partner, 48.5% from a health professional - 23.7% reported the health professional endorsed douching. The majority (71.2%) used commercial douching products; 34% reported seeing TV commercials and 21.6% magazine commercials about douching. Most girls douched to “feel clean;” however, 22.3% believed douching helped to prevent pregnancy, 12.8% to prevent STIs. Eight percent believed their boyfriend/partner expected them to douche, 5% felt it made them more attractive sexually. Among males, 68 (62.4%) ever heard of douching; of those, 46.8% believed douching was necessary for a woman to keep clean, 45% preferred their girlfriend/partner to douche. Interventions to reduce adolescent douching should address relevant personal, interpersonal and media factors that influence douching behavior.

Learning Objectives:

• List adverse health outcomes associated with vaginal douching among adolescents.
• Describe personal, interpersonal and mass media factors that may influence adolescent douching.
• Recognize need for effective health promotion interventions to reduce adolescent douching.

Keywords: Adolescents, Reproductive Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.