Hygiene Practices amongst Patronizers of Fairly Used Female Underwear: A Study in a Nigerian Tertiary Institution

Abstract

Background: Fairly used clothing items, due to antecedents and widespread use pose a major health risks to the public. Aim: This study aimed to survey the hygiene level practices amongst users of   fairly used female undergarments in a tertiary institution in Port Harcourt. Study Design and Methods: A completely randomized design was used for this study amongst undergraduate females resident in the institution, within the various campus female hostels, in which a structured questionnaire was administered to respondents with a calculated sample size of 316. Methodology: Eighty (80) respondents amongst four (4) female hostels (Hostels B, C, D and NDDC) were selected using simple random sampling which gave a total of Three hundred and twenty (320) respondents. Results: The findings showed that only a significant proportion (27.5%) of the total respondents are users of fairly used   clothing. Regarding laundering, 95% were seen to be thorough in washing before usage, although a greater proportion (97%) employed the technique of hand wash. For further sterilization and inspection practices, 27% and 94% respectively engage in these processes. The economic factor seemed to be the major driver for use of these undergarments as 64 % of users attested to having made purchase influenced by it. The major source of purchase of these undergarments were seen to be thrift stores (80%). Regarding users perception on health risk associated with usage, 84% of users agree to the possibility of infection with usage, but 68% believe that effective laundering can greatly reduce the risk while 20% reported experiences of health challenge associated with usage. Users educate themselves through different sources; medical professionals (44%), online sources (30%), friends and family (26%). Conclusion and Recommendation: The study highlights the need for tailored educational campaigns and awareness programs on potential health risks with emphasis on the importance of proper sanitization methods, such as machine washing and the use of disinfectants, to empower users in making informed choices and adopting safer hygiene practices. Following observed results however, the use of fairly used underwear is highly discouraged.