Table 2 The codes, subcategories, and categories of the factors related to infection recurrence and treatment failure in women with VVC
Category | Subcategory | Code |
|---|---|---|
Patients’ beliefs | Beliefs related to human genetics and physiology | The patient believes that the infection is part of the menstrual cycle |
Self-medication because of the belief that female hormones cause infection | ||
Withdrawal from medication due to the belief that infection is treated spontaneously after marriage | ||
Ignoring treatment recommendations due to the belief that genetics affects infection | ||
Beliefs related to the patient's physical and mental condition | Ignoring treatment recommendations due to the patient's depressive condition | |
Quitting medication due to impatience in medication adherence | ||
Lack of treatment due to the stress caused by family problems | ||
Ignoring the treatment process because of the belief that work stress plays a role in the recurrence of infection | ||
Belief in the effect of being overweight and obese on the recurrence of vaginal infections | ||
Belief in a higher probability of recurrence of infection in women with hyperhidrosis | ||
Beliefs related to the effectiveness of drugs | The inefficiency of routine drugs in the treatment of fungal infections | |
Patients’ belief in the greater impact of pills and ampoules than traditional treatments | ||
The patients’ belief that pills are more effective than the topical cream | ||
Disbelief in prescription drugs in controlling the symptoms of the disease | ||
Beliefs related to individual health | Belief in the association of daily pad use with recurrent infections | |
Belief in the relationship between disease recurrence and vaginal gel application | ||
Patients’ belief in the effect of late replacement of sanitary pads during menstruation on the development of infection | ||
Belief in the association of obsessive behaviors with individual health and recurrent infections | ||
Beliefs related to intercourse and contraceptives | Belief in the effect of having sex in RVVC | |
Belief in the recurrence of infection following unprotected sex (without condoms) | ||
Not taking medication due to belief in the effect of IUD on disease recurrence | ||
Belief in the effect of birth control pills on infection | ||
Patients’ fears and concerns | Fear of drug side effects | Not taking the medication completely out of fear of feeling nauseous |
Not taking medication out of fear of unknown side effects of using chemical drugs | ||
Failure to take the drug completely due to fear of re-experiencing an allergic reaction | ||
Not taking medication due to fear of side effects | ||
Not taking medication for fear of adverse effects on the liver | ||
Fear of not recovering | Proper and timely use of medication for fear of recurrence of infection | |
Accurate and timely use of medication out of fear of not recovering | ||
Concern about the possibility of needing advanced treatments in the future | Careful use of the drug out of fear of being prescribed cryotherapy | |
The concern of being examined | Refraining from being examined due to the concern of vaginal injury during the examination | |
Fear of getting infected by being examined by a specialist | ||
Panic caused by the COVID-19 pandemic | Reluctance to be examined out of fear of contracting the coronavirus | |
Not seeing a doctor out of fear of getting coronavirus |