ASSESS THE KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES REGARDING MENSTRUATION AND MENSTRUAL HYGIENE AMONG THE NAVODAYA SCHOOL GIRLS OF TELANGANA STATE.

ABSTRACT

The present study was undertaken to assess the knowledge and practices regarding menstruation and menstrual hygiene among the navodaya school girls of Telangana. Using a descriptive analytical survey design and multistage sampling, the knowledge and practices on menstrual hygiene among 10 navodaya school girls 100 were identified. Among the respondents, 35% had poor knowledge, 77% had poor practice. About 49% had menstrual pattern disorders. 33% reported symptoms of urinary tract infection. Back pains (43%) were the predominant physical problems and anger (39%) was the major emotional problems. Statistically significant correlation existed between knowledge and practice. Statistically significant difference was observed in the knowledge scores on menstruation with respect to the educational level of the respondents education of their mother and monthly family income The practice of menstrual hygiene was significantly associated with age of the student and their standard of living index. The study concludes to mandate health education in schools by professional nurses, on menstruation and its hygienic management; community education on the scientific aspects of menstruation; and policy implementation towards the construction of girl friendly toilets in houses, schools and public places so that the nation becomes healthy and productive with empowered wo