A Study of menstrual hygiene practices of non-working women

Abstract

Menstrual hygiene practices are indispensable for women and girls. Menstrual hygiene is vital to the health, well-being, dignity, empowerment, mobility and productivity of women and girls. This study was conducted of menstrual hygiene practices, knowledge and availability and to know menstrual hygiene practices among non working women of Udaipur, Rajasthan who were below 35 to above 35 years using structured proforma. The results indicated that all the respondents were aware of menstrual hygiene products. Among them, 75 per cent used sanitary pads, 20 per cent cloth, and 5 per cent used tampons during their menstrual cycle. Majority of respondents (92.5 %) purchased menstrual hygiene products on their own, 7.5 percent took family members help to buy menstrual hygiene products. Information gathered regarding satisfaction reveals that 62.5 per cent were completely satisfied while 37.5 per cent were not. Problems faced on use of menstrual products include rashes (17.5 %), itching (5 %), irritation (5 %). Around 62.5 per cent. respondents stated that they were influenced by advertisements shown in media and 37.5 per cent respondents stated that media had no influence on their choice of menstrual products. There is necessity to increase knowledge among non working women regarding hygienically safe menstrual practices. In menstrual hygiene products the sanitary pads is most popular for non working women because it is hygienically safe and comfortable in menstrual cycle and easily available in every locality.