THE CORRELATION BETWEEN GENITAL CARE BEHAVIORS AND VAGINAL DISCHARGE IN ADOLESCENT GIRLS AT THE DAARUL HIJRAH SOCIAL WELFARE INSTITUTION FOR CHILDREN CIREBON CITY

Adolescent reproductive health is a crucial concern in preventing reproductive system
disorders, including vaginal discharge. This study aimed to determine the relationship
between genital care behavior and vaginal discharge among adolescent girls at the Daarul
Hijrah Foundation Child Welfare Institution (LKSA) in Cirebon.
This his study employed a quantitative method with a descriptive correlational design and
a cross-sectional approach. The population was all 33 adolescent girls at the LKSA, using
a total sampling technique. The instruments used were a genital care behavior
questionnaire and a vaginal discharge questionnaire, both of which have been tested for
validity and reliability.
Univariate analysis showed that the majority of respondents had negative genital care
behaviors (6.1%) and experienced pathological vaginal discharge (42.4%). Bivariate
analysis using the Rank-Spearman test revealed a significant relationship between genital
care behaviors and vaginal discharge (p-value <0.001), with a negative correlation and a
strong correlation (r = 0.036).
This study concluded that the more positive genital care behaviors, the more physiological
vaginal discharge. Therefore, it is necessary to provide ongoing education to young women
regarding the importance of proper genital care as an effort to maintain reproductive
health.