Background: Adolescence is a transitional phase marked by the onset of menarche. Most adolescent girls have incomplete or inaccurate information about menstrual physiology and hygiene. There are several misconceptions and taboos linked with it, resulting in adverse health outcomes. However, numerous factors associated with menstrual hygiene are modifiable. If these are adequately identified and addressed, it can empower young girls to lead healthy life in a positive environment.
Aims And Objectives: (1) To assess the knowledge and practices regarding menstrual hygiene among adolescent school girls. (2) To determine the association of menstrual hygiene practices with sociodemographic and related factors.
Materials And Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in rural Patna, Bihar, in which 300 eligible adolescent school-going menstruating girls (13-17 years) were recruited from four schools. They were interviewed using a predesigned questionnaire, and relevant information on sociodemographic profiles and menorrhoeal characteristics was obtained. Median scores were calculated for the knowledge and practices domain. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the associated factors of menstrual hygiene practice.
Results: The mean age of girls was 14 ± 1.07 years, while the mean age of menarche was 12.37 ± 0.92 years. More than half (59.3%) were found to possess good knowledge (scores 7 and above) regarding menstruation and its physiology. Half (50.3%) of the girls had good menstrual hygiene practices (scores 9 and above). Multiple logistic regression model revealed that adolescent girls studying in government schools (AOR = 0.05, CI = 0.02-0.12) and those living in nuclear families (AOR = 0.05, CI = 0.02-0.12) were likely to be significantly associated with poor menstrual hygiene practices.
Conclusion: Menstrual hygiene is still far from satisfactory; hence, it should be a vital aspect of the school health educational curriculum. There is an imperative need to design acceptable awareness/advocacy programs for adolescent girls in the future.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10866283 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_891_23 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Knowledge, attitude and practices regarding menstrual hygiene among adolescent school girls.
Sudan J Paediatr
January 2024
Department of Paediatrics, Hind Institute of Medical Sciences, Barabanki, India.
Menstruation is a normal physiological process in females, and a lack of knowledge and understanding about it can lead to unsafe hygienic practices. This study aimed to assess sociodemographic and menstrual factors that affect the knowledge, attitude and practices of menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls. This cross-sectional study was done among adolescent school girls in Eastern Uttar Pradesh for nine months using an interviewer-administered questionnaire.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe association of activity patterns on female reproductive diseases: a prospective cohort study of UK biobank.
BMC Public Health
January 2025
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 23 Postal Street, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, P. R. China.
Objective: Little is known about the role of timing of physical activity in female reproductive disorders. These disorders include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), endometriosis, infertility, and pregnancy-related disorders. This study aims to investigate the associations of activity patterns with female reproductive diseases.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF"Basically, my answer is, there needs to be options!" Recommendations for the delivery of free menstrual products to the public: A qualitative exploration among marginalised groups in Victoria, Australia.
Aust N Z J Public Health
January 2025
Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. Electronic address:
Objective: Governments have announced free menstrual product provision policies. Our research aimed to inform these initiatives by understanding menstrual product insecurity amongst marginalised groups and their recommendations for product provision.
Methods: We undertook in-depth interviews with participants experiencing menstrual product insecurity, who identified as belonging to one or more marginalised groups, alongside key informants working for organisations serving these populations.
Exploring the availability and accessibility of menstrual friendly public toilets (MFPTs) in urban spaces: A global multi-city audit study.
Health Place
January 2025
Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA. Electronic address:
Background: Public toilets enable populations, including those who menstruate, to move through public spaces. Menstrual Friendly Public Toilets (MFPT) are accessible, safe, and clean public toilets that provide those who menstruate the space and resources to navigate cities with dignity and comfort. However, there is little evidence on the status of MFPTs in urban centers.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: To explore awareness and acceptance of menstrual cups and associated factors among healthcare professionals in Wolaita Zone, South Ethiopia.
Design: Institution-based cross-sectional study.
Setting: The current study was carried out among governmental health facilities in Wolaita Zone, South Ethiopia Regional State between 1 September and 30 September 2023.
Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!