Vaginal douching among Latina immigrants

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.