Perception of menstrual hygiene and complications related to it among medical students.

ABSTRACT

Background: Menstrual hygiene is an issue that is insufficiently acknowledged. Menstruation and menstrual practices are still clouded by taboos and socio-cultural restrictions resulting into adverse health of females. The present study was designed to assess the knowledge, attitude, practice, and health related issues regarding menstruation among medical students, which will add up to the lacking data regarding menstrual hygiene among medical students. Objectives: To assess knowledge, attitude and practice of menstrual hygiene among medical students and prevalence of health-related issues related to menstruation. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in May-June 2020, online data is collected through questionnaire from 118 medical students studying in Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences, Hubli, Karnataka, India. Results: From our analysis, we have found that there is adequate knowledge, good attitude, and practice of menstrual hygiene among medical students. There is also positive correlation between menstrual hygiene practice and its related health issues. Conclusion: This study highlights the need for more intensified methods to generate a population who are more aware and complaint to practice and participate in spreading hygiene menstrual practices