Improving Menstrual Hygiene Management in School Going Adolescent Girls: Experience from Charutar Region of Gujarat, India

Abstract

Background: The onset of menstruation is the most important change occurring among girls during the adolescent years. A supportive ecosystem to manage menstruation hygienically and with dignity is a key priority for adolescent girls. Aim: To understand adolescent girls’ knowledge and attitudes about menstruation and empower them with scientific basis of physiology of menstruation and hygiene. Methods: Four schools were selected and girls in Standard 8 to 10 were included in the study. A pre-test was conducted using a structured questionnaire to assess their knowledge and attitudes about menstruation. The questionnaire included topics concerning physiology of menstruation, menstrual hygiene and beliefs and restrictions related to menstruation. This pre-assessment was followed by an interactive educational intervention using PowerPoint presentation, videos, posters, flip charts and role play. A post-test was conducted and a private consultation session was organized to enable participants to interact with the faculty without fear/ stigma. Result: Total 360 (359 pre-test and 358 post-test) girls in the age group 12 to 17 years, from 4 schools participated in the study. Most girls [284(79.1%)] identified menstruation as a normal physiological process. Yet, a sense of impurity leading to social and cultural restrictions was quite prevalent. The knowledge about hygiene practices and common issues during menstruation was poor. The knowledge and attitudes improved significantly after the educational intervention. Conclusion: Adolescent girls showed poor knowledge and attitudes about menstruation and hygiene. A systematic educational intervention improves MHM of adolescent girls. A comprehensive and contextual adolescent health model including all stakeholders should be developed to improve health of our future generation. How to cite this article:Gohel MK, Phatak AG. Improving Menstrual Hygiene Management in School Going Adolescent Girls: Experience from Charutar Region of Gujarat, India. Ind J Youth Adol Health 2019; 6(3): 13-19. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2349.2880.201912