Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Intimate Care and Its Association with Vaginal Discharge among Female Students in International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia

Abstract

Background: Prioritizing cleanliness, especially in intimate areas, is crucial for personal health. Globally, around 10% of women suffer from genital infections, and 75% of them have experienced these infections before and the rate of occurrence is increasing in many developing countries. Many women intend to get screened for vaginal discharge problems, but due to taboos and other factors, they often do not follow through with the process. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the level of knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) towards intimate hygiene and the association between knowledge, attitude, and practices on intimate care and vaginal discharge among female students at International Islamic University Malaysia Kuantan (IIUMK). Methods: Two hundred and sixty respondents from different Kulliyyah were given a self-administered questionnaire. The data were analysed using SPSS software. Results: The finding showed that most of the respondents had good knowledge (87.5%) and practice (68.8%), and moderate attitude (53.6%) towards intimate care and its association with vaginal discharge. Conclusion: These findings of the study underscore the importance of targeted health education and awareness programs to further enhance intimate care practices and knowledge, particularly among younger women, married women, and those who are sexually active.