A study of menstrual problems & practices among girls of mahila college.

ABSTRACT

Background: Menstruation is a normal physiological phenomenon for females still it is associated with some degree of sufferings & embarrassment. In spite of relative openness in the society, the menstrual hygienic practices have not changed much. Objectives: To study the menstrual pattern, disorders & hygiene practices among Adolescent girls of Mahila College in Bhavnagar City. Materials & Method: Present cross-sectional study was conducted among 68 adolescents from Mrs. N.C.Gandhi & Mrs. B.V.Gandhi Mahila Arts & Commerce College, Bhavnagar city. Information was obtained in a self administered questionnaire in a local language related to menstruation after verbal consent. Once the girls have finished filling up the Performa, open discussion & health education was given to the adolescents regarding menstruation & myths related to it. Results: The mean age of menarche was 14.5. Most of the girls (85.3%) had the prior information about menstruation & the most common source of information was from family members (mother & sister) & least common was school teacher. The most common menstrual pattern was >30/3-5 days. Dysmenorrhea was the main menstrual problem reported by them (66.2 %). 66.2 % girls used old plain cloth as menstrual absorbent. Conclusion: Menstrual problems particularly dysmenorrhea is common among adolescent girls. In most of the girls’ menstrual hygiene practices found to be poor. So the teachers, family members, health educators & media play very important role in improving menstrual hygiene in adolescence, so there won’t be any misconception to adolescent girls regarding menstrual hygiene.