Variations in feminine hygiene practices of military women in deployed andnoncombat environments

There is limited information on how military women manage feminine hygiene practices in combat and noncombat environments. The purpose of this study w as to describe feminine hygiene practices of military women in deployed and noncombat (normal) environments. A nonexperimental descriptive research de sign was used. The study used a survey questionnaire, the Deployed Female H ealth Practice Questionnaire, which was developed specifically for military women to report their experiences with hygiene issues. Significant differe nces between deployed and normal environments were found in the areas of ty pes of menses management products used and in douching and handwashing prac tices. Continuing education about safe feminine hygiene practices will help military women cope better in deployed (field) environments. Recommendatio ns suggest further study on intervention strategies for hygiene management practices.