Enhancing Perineal Hygiene Awareness among Primiparous Women

Background: Attention has grown surrounding perineal health self-care practices due to their perceived benefits in promoting postpartum recovery, alleviating discomfort, and preventing long-term problems.Objective: This study aimed to comprehensively explore the various aspects of awareness of perineal health, specifically among first-time mothers (Primiparous Women).Method: Using a descriptive-analytical approach, the research was conducted with 520 first-time mothers in a maternal teaching hospital in Sulaimani City. Data collection occurred over four consecutive months, from September 2022 to March 2023, involving direct interviews using a questionnaire encompassing maternal demographic characteristics and awareness of postnatal perineal hygiene.Result: The results demonstrated various levels of awareness about postnatal self-care practices: 45.4% exhibited inadequate awareness, 44.2% showed moderate awareness, particularly after undergoing an episiotomy, and 10.4% demonstrated a high level of awareness.Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of focusing on perineal health through effective self-care practices, given their potential to improve postpartum recovery, alleviate discomfort, and prevent potential long-term complications. In particular, the research highlights a worrying trend in awareness of postnatal self-care practices, indicating a significant proportion of participants with limited understanding. This emphasizes the pressing need for targeted interventions and educational initiatives to cultivate improved self-care practices among first-time mothers, ultimately leading to better perineal health outcomes.