A study to assess knowledge, attitude, and practices related to menstrual cycle and management of menstrual hygiene among school-going adolescent girls in a rural area of South India

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.