Author Rosemary Theroux, RNC, PhD, is an Assistant Professor at the University of Massachusetts Graduate School of Nursing in Worcester, Massachusetts.
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Factors influencing women's decisions to self-treat vaginal symptoms
Article first published online: 6 OCT 2005
DOI: 10.1111/j.1041-2972.2005.0024.x
Issue
Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
Volume 17, Issue 4, pages 156–162, April 2005
Additional Information
How to Cite
Theroux, R. (2005), Factors influencing women's decisions to self-treat vaginal symptoms. Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, 17: 156–162. doi: 10.1111/j.1041-2972.2005.0024.x
Acknowledgments The author acknowledges the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Foundation for funding to support this research, Gary Byrne, and Drs. Mary Anne Bright, Joellen Hawkins, Margaret Kearney, Lynnette Leidy, and Paula Lusardi for their expertise, assistance, and encouragement.
Publication History
- Issue published online: 6 OCT 2005
- Article first published online: 6 OCT 2005
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- Self-diagnosis;
- decision making;
- self-treatment;
- over-the-counter medication;
- vaginitis
Purpose
To review the research on women's self-treatment of vaginal symptoms, describe factors influencing this phenomenon, identify evidence-based interventions, and suggest strategies for nurse practitioners (NPs) to promote safe and effective self-treatment decisions by women.
Data sources
Research articles identified through Medline and CINAHL databases.
Conclusions
The primary factors influencing women's decisions to self-treat vaginal symptoms were personal (attitudes, beliefs, values, knowledge and experience, and emotions) and environmental (culture, social networks and norms, media, and life context).
Implications for practice
Women's self-diagnostic skills and decision making for self-treatment can be improved through education and support from NPs. The traditional office visit may not provide an opportunity to teach women appropriate self-care because many women do not access providers for advice or information. Different methods of providing information to large numbers of women through consumer publications need to be developed and evaluated.