ABSTRACT
The Menstrual Hygiene Scheme of the Government of India wishes to generate awareness among adolescent girls, and provide them with hygienic and affordable sanitary napkins. The scheme has been criticised for many reasons by various reviewers. However, we draw attention to a hitherto unaddressed gap that the scheme has effectively overlooked, the menstrual hygiene needs of disabled adolescent girls, and has thereby denied them their right to health and healthcare. This exacerbates health disparities, and raises questions of public health ethics. We conclude with recommendations on how to redress the situation and make the scheme more inclusive.
ABSTRACT
The prevalence of Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) and candidiasis is high in Indian women in the reproductive age groups. Poor menstrual hygiene management (MHM) practices and low socio-demographic features are the major risk factors associated with BV and candidiasis. The aim of the study was to access the MHM practices in association with BV and Candida infection in the population of western Odisha.METHODSThis cross-sectional study was carried out in the outpatient department of O & G, VIMSAR, Burla, Odisha, from December 2016 to November 2018. Vaginal swabs were collected from the posterior vaginal fornix for analysis. BV was diagnosed by using Nugent’s laboratory diagnostic criteria and identification of Candida was done by Albi QuickTM rapid test. A pre-coded questionnaire was used to collect demographic, clinical, and behavioural (MHM practices) features from the study participants. All data were double-entered into Epi Info 7 software and analysed using Stata 11.0.RESULTSIn 352 women, the prevalence of BV and candidiasis was found in 38.92% (137/352) and 32.67% (115/352) of women respectively. Women were divided into three groups on the basis of age i.e. 18-25 years: 87 (24.72%); 26-35 years: 194 (55.11%); and 36-45 years: 71 (20.17%). Both BV and candidiasis were significantly high in women of 36-45 years age group compared to 18-25 years age group (p<0.05). Women of 36-45 years age group had more number of cases with low education (19.72%), housewife (67.61%), and living in rural villages (61.97%) compared to younger women (p<0.05). Regarding MHM practices, women in the higher age groups used more reusable cloths as absorbent materials (p<0.002), changed absorbent material less frequently (p=0.042) and changed their absorbents somewhere other than in a toilet facility (p<0.018) compared to younger women.CONCLUSIONSThe higher prevalence of BV and candidiasis in higher age groups of women may be due to the poor MHM practices, lack of higher education and other low socio-demographic conditions compared to younger age women. An increased awareness for MHM practices is important to combat the associated morbidities related to BV and candidiasis.
ABSTRACT
Background: There is inadequate information on menstrual hygiene management practices and socio-cultural restrictions among adolescent girls in developing countries. The objective of the present study was to assess the menstrual hygiene management practices and associated socio-cultural restrictions among adolescent school girls.Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among adolescent school girls 10 to 19 years of age, who had attained menarche, in a rural area of district Barabanki. Total 640 adolescent girls were included in the study, and information was recorded on a predesigned and pretested interview schedule. Relevant statistical analysis was done and significant associations were found.Results: 60.5% of the girls were using sanitary pads, and 71.4% took bath during their periods. 41.3% of the girls used to change pads during schools. Unsatisfactory menstrual hygiene management practices were significantly high among girls who were from lower socioeconomic class (p<0.001) and had illiterate mothers (p<0.001). 82.8% of the girls faced religious restriction.Conclusions: Significant associations were found between menstrual hygiene management practices of adolescent school girls with their mother’s education level and socio economic status. A proper menstrual hygiene management practice is very important for every young girl to lead a healthy life and should be achieved at the beginning of their menarche by enhanced information education and communication (IEC) programmes.
ABSTRACT
Background: The onset of menstruation is the most important physical change that occurs among girls during adolescence. Menstrual hygiene management is an important issue for adolescent girls. Lack of education and communication regarding reproductive system further adds to the problem. Several studies have shown that the knowledge regarding menstrual cycle is not sufficient. Insufficient management of menstrual hygiene may result in symptoms involving genitourinary tracts. With this background, the present study was conducted. Objectives: This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices in relation to menstrual cycle and factors influencing the same. Materials and Methods: The present study is a cross-sectional study conducted in the rural field practice area under the department of community medicine. Two schools, one government and one private, were selected for the study. A pre-designed, pre-tested, and semi-structured questioner used for the collection of data by personal interviews method. Statistical analysis used: Percentages and Chisquare. Results: A total of 226 girls were studied. Overall, the knowledge about menstrual cycle is very poor. Menstrual awareness was found in 35.8% of girls. Source of knowledge for most of the girls were mothers, followed by friends. 97% are using sanitary pads. Menstrual hygienic practices are found to be satisfactory but need improvement in disposal of menstrual waste. Conclusion: The knowledge about menstrual cycle is found to be very poor with schools playing no role in its improvement. Schools need to be encouraged in imparting right information and encouraging girls to speak.