Practice of menstrual hygiene among school going adolescent girls in the rural areas of district Muzaffarnagar

Abstract

Background: Every year, May 28 is considered as the Global Menstrual Hygiene Day. Many studies have revealed that most of the adolescent girls had incomplete and inaccurate information about the menstrual physiology and hygiene. Hygiene related practices during menstruation are of considerable importance, as it has a health impact in terms of increased vulnerability to reproductive tract infections (RTI) and other health problems. Aim & Objectives: To find out the menstrual hygiene practices and their association with socio-demographic characteristics of study participants. Material and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 286 school going adolescents girls in the age group of 11-19 years in 5 schools (three government and two private) in the rural area of district Muzaffarnagar.  Study was conducted in December, 2021 using a pre- designed, pre-tested questionnaire. Data was analysed statistically and chi square test was applied. Results: Most of the girls achieved menarche at the age of 10-13 years (79.7%). Mothers of around 83.5% girls were illiterate and these girls were less aware about menstrual hygiene practices. Only 63% girls knew about menstruation before menarche. According to 75.5% girls, source of menstrual bleeding was vagina and only 65.7% girls knew about the physiology of menstruation. Conclusion: The study shows that there is significant lack of knowledge among girls regarding menstruation. Only 62% girls use sanitary pads as absorbent material due to various reasons like shyness, high cost, etc. Majority of girls had restrictions of not touching kitchen items and not to take bath during menses. There is a need to make the girls aware regarding menstrual hygiene by various health awareness programs in schools and the community.