Application of the PRECEDE-PROCEED Planning Model in Designing a Genital Health Program

Background: Lack of knowledge and incorrect practices regarding genital hygiene increase the risk of infection. Women can be protected from these infections by teaching correct genital hygiene behaviors through health education based on recognized models. The aim of this study was to design an educational program to improve women’s genital health behaviors based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED model. Methods: This study was an application of the PRECEDE-PROCEED model as a planning tool to design a program to improve genital health behaviors. A comprehensive literature review was performed in Google Scholar, Council of Higher Education Thesis Center, PubMed, and ProQuest databases using the keywords “PRECEDE-PROCEED MODEL” and other related keywords in Turkish and English language from 2000 to 2021. The model was explained in light of the literature, and an exemplary program to improve genital hygiene behaviors was proposed in line with the model steps. Results: First, using the PRECEDE phase of the model, women’s educational needs related to genital health behaviors were determined and the related problems were identified. Then, the PROCEED phase of the model was used for planning, implementation, and evaluation of the educational program based on the educational objectives. Conclusion: The PRECEDE-PROCEED model provides a framework for nurses to maintain and improve the health of the female genital system. Using this model, it is possible to inform women about genital health, encourage them to participate in self-care, improve health outcomes, and increase their quality of life (QoL).