Changes in Vaginal Discharge Conditions Among Adolescent Girls Following the Administration of Turmeric Decoction at MAS SKB 3 Menteri Bingkat, Serdang Bedagai

Abstract

Vaginal discharge is one of the common reproductive health complaints experienced by adolescent girls, particularly during puberty due to hormonal changes. Limited knowledge and inadequate attention to reproductive hygiene may increase the risk of vaginal discharge. Turmeric decoction is a complementary approach that may help reduce vaginal discharge symptoms because turmeric (Curcuma longa) contains curcumin, which has antimicrobial activity. This study aimed to determine changes in vaginal discharge conditions before and after the administration of turmeric decoction among adolescent girls at MAS SKB 3 Menteri Bingkat, Serdang Bedagai. This study used a pre-experimental design with a one-group pretest-posttest approach. The sample consisted of 22 adolescent girls selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected using an observation sheet assessing vaginal discharge based on color, consistency, odor, amount, and itching. The intervention consisted of administering turmeric decoction for seven consecutive days. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. The results showed that before the intervention, all respondents (100%) experienced mild vaginal discharge. After the intervention, 18 respondents (81.8%) no longer experienced vaginal discharge, while 4 respondents (18.2%) still experienced mild vaginal discharge. The Wilcoxon test showed a significant difference in vaginal discharge conditions before and after the intervention (p < 0.001). It was concluded that there was a change in vaginal discharge conditions after seven days of turmeric decoction administration. Further studies involving a control group and a larger sample size are needed.