Cross-sectional study on menstruation and menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls of RHTC, ANMMCH, Gaya

ABSTRACT

Adolescence is the most crucial period for establishing healthy practices. Menstrual hygiene is effective in preventing RTIs and promoting reproductive health. The present cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted to find the menstrual profile and knowledge and practices regarding menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls of RHTC, ANMMCH, Gaya and included 213 school going girls. It was found that 80.8% thought menstruation to be normal, 78.9% knew the correct periodicity of menstruation and 87.3% the correct duration. 43.2% thought that menstrual blood comes from uterus and 50.7% to be coming from vagina. 23% respondents used sanitary napkins, 89.2% took regular bath and 34.7% cleaned their genitalia regularly. 79.4% disposed it with domestic waste or reused while 11.7% threw it at roadside. Proper awareness and promotion of hygienic practices will be helpful in promoting reproductive health.