The effect of health education guidelines on women suffering from reproductive tract infections for seeking health care services

Abstract

Background: The most important period in the life span of women is the reproductive period, which extends from menarche to menopause. Reproductive tract infections are endemic in developing countries and having a large burden on the society. Aim: to determine the effect of health education guidelines on women suffering from reproductive tract infections for seeking health care services. Materials and Method: A Quasi experimental research design was used to achieve the aim of the present study. The study was conducted at the gynecological outpatient & family planning clinics of Zagazig University hospital and Al-Ahrar hospital at Zagazig. A purposive sample composed of 200 women and who were fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Structured interview related to reproductive tract infections symptoms. Women knowledge regarding reproductive tract infections Barriers of seeking health care services for women suffering from reproductive tract infections. Health education guidelines for women suffering from reproductive tract infections. The results: There is a significant improvement of the women knowledge regarding most of the studied items in relation to RTIs immediately after health education guidelines. Conclusion: Health education guidelines regarding reproductive tract infections were effective in increasing women knowledge level after health education guidelines. The major barriers for not seeking health care services for women suffering from reproductive tract infections were the perception of symptoms as normal, shyness of genital examination or explain their symptoms, family responsibilities, the husband neglecting to the health of his wife, lack of awareness about RTIs and privacy. Recommendations: Health education to all women attending MCH and family planning services about reproductive tract infections and how can prevent. Furthermore, instruct women about early attending to seek medical care services if any symptoms of reproductive tract infections appear.