A study on menstrual hygiene practices and school absenteeism during menstruation among high school girls from an urban area of Hyderabad, Telangana

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Abstract Background: Menstrual hygiene is an important risk factor for reproductive tract infections among adolescent girls. Unhygienic practices during menstruation have a significant impact on health. Fear of blood leaking, fatigue, dysmenorrhea, and lack of cleanliness in schools during menstruation contribute to absenteeism. Frequent episodes of absenteeism result in poor school performance. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to assess menstrual hygiene practices among the study population and estimate the proportion of school absenteeism among girls during menstruation and evaluate the associated factors. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 231 high schools (8th, 9th, and 10th standards) girls in Narayanguda, Hyderabad. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview the subjects after taking permission from the principal, and confidentiality was ensured for the students. Adolescent girls who have attained menarche and who were present on the day of the survey were included in the study. Adolescent girls who have not attained menarche were excluded from the study. Results: The mean age of menarche was 12.19 ± 1.17 years. The majority (93%) were using sanitary pads. Disposal of material used for menstruation was majorly (95.6%) by throwing in dustbins. Almost 92.2% of them were following good hygienic practices. The proportion of school absenteeism during menstruation was 53%, and the reasons were dysmenorrhea and fear of leaking menstrual blood while transiting. Conclusions: The majority of the girls were following good hygienic practices and used sanitary pads. About half of them remained absent from school during menstruation.