Racial differences in vaginal douching knowledge, attitude, and practices among sexually active adolescents.

Objective: The study sought to assess knowledge of, attitude toward, and practices of vaginal douching among adolescent females attending a public family planning clinic, in order to better understand racial influences on douching.

Methods: In this descriptive, cross-sectional study, a one-page questionnaire was administered to all adolescent females (< or=19 years) presenting to a public family planning clinic in a small southern city between March 1 and May 31, 1999.

Results: Of the 169 participants, the mean age was 17.0 years (+/-1.5 years), 53% were Caucasian, and 47% were African-American. Sixty-nine percent of participants reported vaginal douching, mostly for hygienic reasons (68%). Those reporting vaginal douching were more likely to have a history of sexual intercourse (P < 0.01) and a history of one or more sexually transmitted diseases (P < 0.05). Age of first douche correlated positively with age of first sexual intercourse (r = 0.34, P < 0.001). African-Americans did not douche to a greater degree than Caucasians. However, racial differences were noted in knowledge of and attitude toward vaginal douching.

Conclusions: Vaginal douching was a common practice among adolescent females attending a public family planning clinic in a small southern city. Culturally appropriate educational strategies for African-American and Caucasian adolescent females should improve awareness of adverse events associated with vaginal douching, despite family and personal beliefs about this practice.