Health beliefs and genital hygiene behaviors in urinary tract infection prevention among female university students: A cross-sectional study
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to determine genital hygiene behaviors and health beliefs about protection against urinary tract infections among university students living in a girls’ dormitory, examine relationships among these variables, and identify associated factors. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 239 female university students residing in a dormitory between May 15 and June 15, 2025. Data were collected using an Individual Diagnostic Form, the Health Belief Scale for Prevention of Urinary Tract Infection, and the Inventory of Genital Hygiene Behavior. Descriptive statistics, the Mann–Whitney U test, the Kruskal–Wallis test, and Spearman’s correlation analysis were used to evaluate the data. Results: The students’ genital hygiene behavior scores are above the average level (73.31 ± 11.92), and their health belief scores are at a moderate level (59.25 ± 8.84). Hygiene behaviors are positively correlated with age (r = 0.15, P < 0.05) and grade level (β = 0.16, P < 0.05). Income status, history of urinary tract infections, and hygiene education were associated with some sub-dimensions. A moderate negative correlation was found between genital hygiene behavior scores and urinary tract infection-related health belief scale (HBS-UTI) scores (r = −0.332, P < 0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that age (β = 0.18), class level (β = 0.16), and receiving genital hygiene education (β = 0.24) were significant positive predictors,…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause.
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