Impact analysis of felt need-based adolescent reproductive and sexual health module for late adolescent girls in an urban slum

Abstract

Introduction: A timely and accurate intervention regarding reproductive and sexual health in adolescent age group is expected to enhance their knowledge, change their attitudes, and strengthen their decision-making skills regarding their own reproductive health. This study was undertaken to assess the impact of felt need-based adolescent reproductive and sexual health education module, on knowledge, attitude, and practices of their menstrual hygiene. Materials and Methods: It is an interventional quantitative study done in 206 late adolescent girls residing at an urban slum. Focus Group Discussion was held in group of 8–12 girls to assess felt needs regarding puberty and menstrual knowledge. Baseline knowledge, attitude, and practices were assessed through a questionnaire. Analysis of menstrual hygiene practices was done after 3 months of health education intervention. A one-way repeated measures ANOVA was conducted to compare the effect of health education on knowledge score. Three paired sample t-tests were used to make post hoc comparisons. Results: Mean age of girls was 16.10 years, with majority from Hindu religion. Sanitary pad usage was 91.26%. Restrictions in attending religious events were observed in 96.12% and 84.47% attended school during menses. Mother's education and facility of sanitary latrine in house were significantly associated with menstrual hygiene practices (P < 0.05). ANOVA test to compare the effect of health education on knowledge score was significant, Wilks Lambda = 0.171, F (2,188) = 456.271, and P< 0.001. Maulchy's test for sphericity was insignificant. Conclusion: Sanitary pad is being used by large majority of adolescent girls, in urban slum setting now. Menstrual hygiene practices were better in daughters of more educated mothers and those who had sanitary latrine in house. Number of girls having good knowledge about puberty and menstruation increased significantly after health education intervention. Although the knowledge increased drastically after the education sessions, the girls could not retain all of it, indicating reinforcement of knowledge is a must.