Personal Hygiene Genitalia sebagai Benteng Utama Pencegahan Sifilis pada Kelompok Berisiko Tinggi dalam Perspektif Kedokteran Preventif

Syphilis remains a significant public health problem, particularly among high-risk populations. Preventive efforts have largely focused on medical interventions, while the role of genital personal hygiene as a behavioral preventive strategy has received limited attention. Proper genital hygiene plays a crucial role in maintaining mucosal integrity and reducing vulnerability to sexually transmitted infections. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between reproductive health knowledge and genital personal hygiene practices as a preventive measure against syphilis among high-risk populations from a preventive medicine perspective. An analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted among individuals belonging to high-risk groups for sexually transmitted infections. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing reproductive health knowledge and genital personal hygiene practices. Univariate and bivariate analyses were performed to examine the association between knowledge level and hygiene practices. The findings revealed considerable variation in genital personal hygiene practices, with a substantial proportion of respondents demonstrating moderate to poor hygiene behaviors. A statistically significant association was found between reproductive health knowledge and genital hygiene practices, indicating that higher knowledge levels were associated with better hygiene behaviors. Genital personal hygiene plays a pivotal role as a core component of preventive medicine in reducing the risk of syphilis among high-risk populations. Strengthening reproductive health education with an emphasis on genital hygiene practices is essential to support sustainable prevention strategies for sexually transmitted infections.