Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Towards Vaginal Candidiasis Prevention and Treatment Among Girls at Selected Senior High Schools in the Ho Municipality of the Volta Region of Ghana

Abstract

Background: Vaginal candidiasis is one of the commonest fungal gynecological conditions affecting the lower genital tract of women. The condition is often linked to poor hygiene practices, lack of knowledge, lifestyle choices, and misconceptions about reproductive health. Aim: To assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices towards vaginal candidiasis and its prevention among girls in selected Senior High Schools in the Ho Municipality. Methodology: A cross-sectional design and a multi-stage sampling was adopted, using a self-administered questionnaire, to collect data from a sample of 393 SHS students randomly selected from two senior high school (OLA Girls Senior High School and EPC Mawuko Girls Senior High School) in the Ho Municipality in February. The data collected was analyzed using STATA version 18. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data and logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of good knowledge, positive attitudes and proper practices. Result: Overall, the study found that 50.4% of the students had good knowledge regarding vaginal candidiasis. Approximately, 84.2% had a positive attitude towards vaginal candidiasis prevention and treatment while 15.5% exhibited negative attitude. A total of 51% had good practice towards vaginal candidiasis prevention. Logistic regression showed that course of study was significantly associated with knowledge and practices, and knowledge predicted good health practices. Conclusion: The findings revealed that awareness was high, and the girls exhibited good knowledge but they were misconceptions and gaps in preventive measures. Attitudes was generally positive, though stigma and embarrassment hindered care. Over half practiced good hygiene and diet habits, but self-medication and delayed care were common.