Abstract
Background: Menstrual hygiene is crucial for women's health and well-being, yet it is often neglected, particularly among adolescent girls in rural areas. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls in these regions. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 375 adolescent girls from rural areas near Bangalore. Data were collected through structured interviews and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The study found significant gaps in the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to menstrual hygiene. Over half of the participants lacked prior knowledge about menstruation, nearly half had negative attitudes, and a majority practiced poor menstrual hygiene. Strong positive correlations were observed between knowledge and attitudes (0.75), knowledge and practices (0.70), and attitudes and practices (0.65), indicating that improved knowledge positively influences attitudes and practices. Common menstrual symptoms reported included backache (49.60%) and abdominal pain (25.8%). Conclusion: The findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive menstrual education programs to enhance knowledge, foster positive attitudes, and improve hygiene practices. Addressing these gaps through education, challenging cultural taboos, and providing access to sanitary products are essential for improving the health and well-being of adolescent girls in rural areas. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and healthcare providers to develop effective menstrual hygiene management programs.
Published Version
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