Awareness of pubertal changes and reproductive health in adolescent girls: a comparative study

Abstract

Background: Adolescent period is characterized by physical, psychological and behavioural changes and girls can show different reactions to these changes. Proper information can help them in handling these changes without any stress. Tribal females are a vulnerable population and lack health care facilities. Limited data is available on awareness of pubertal changes and reproductive health among tribal adolescent girls. Aims of the study were to study and compare the level of awareness about pubertal changes and reproductive health between tribal and urban adolescent girls. Methods: The study population consisted of 200 adolescent girls between 10-19 years age 100 each, from urban and tribal setting. A predesigned questionnaire, which consisted of questions designed to evaluate the awareness about pubertal changes and reproductive health was used for data collection. Data was analysed using SPSS software, student t test, Chi- square test and co-relation test. Results: Mean age of the study population was 13.76±1.2 years. Mean awareness of urban adolescent girls about pubertal changes and reproductive health was significantly greater than tribal adolescent girls. Awareness was more in older age and more literate adolescent girls. Conclusions: Information, education and communication (IEC) campaigns have to be strengthened to increase awareness on menstrual hygiene practices and sexually transmitted diseases among tribal adolescent girls as these are a vulnerable group.