Effect of Two Education Methods on Hygiene Behaviors and Menstrual Experience in Working Girls

Abstract Introduction Adolescence is a critical period of physical and emotional development, particularly affecting reproductive health. Menstrual and genital hygiene are essential for infection prevention and overall well-being. While adolescent health is widely studied, limited research focuses on working adolescent girls. This study compares the effectiveness of brochure- and demonstration-based education on menstrual and genital hygiene among adolescent girls attending Vocational Education Centers in Türkiye, who also work four days a week. Methods This quasi-experimental study included 40 girls aged 14-18, with parental consent. Data were collected in March-April 2025 following ethical approval. Participants were randomly assigned to a brochure group (n = 20) or a demonstration group (n = 20). Both received identical educational content; the brochure group received printed material, while the demonstration group received hands-on training using a genital model. Pre- and post-tests were administered one month apart. Instruments included the validated Turkish versions of the Genital Hygiene Behaviors Scale, Menstrual Experience Scale, and a demographic form. Results Mean age was 15.65±0.89; menarche age 12.63±1.17. Most had no prior hygiene education (80%) and practiced vaginal douching (70%). In the brochure group, post-test scores for hygiene behaviors and awareness of abnormal findings were significantly higher than pre-test scores (p < 0.05). Girls with a history of genital infections had lower initial scores in the brochure group. In the demonstration group, those using razors had lower post-test scores on the material safety subscale (p < 0.05). The brochure group showed greater improvements in hygiene behavior and abnormal findings awareness when compared to the demonstration group (p < 0.05). Conclusions Brochure-supported education was more effective than demonstration in improving hygiene practices among working adolescent girls. Key messages • Brochure-based education significantly improved genital hygiene behaviors and awareness of abnormal symptoms among working adolescent girls compared to demonstration-based education. • Targeted menstrual and genital hygiene education, especially in vocational settings, is essential for empowering working adolescent girls and promoting reproductive health.