Menstrual Hygiene Management- Practices, Perceptions and Prevalence of Myths among College Girls in Alappuzha, Kerala: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Menstruation, a crucial indicator of women's health, is accompanied by myths and misconceptions in India, leading to several restrictions. Menstrual hygiene faces social and cultural barriers, resulting in complications such as reproductive tract infections and toxic shock syndrome. Issues such as lack of awareness, availability, privacy, disposal challenges, inadequate support, and reproductive health education require attention.
 This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted at the Arts and Science College in Alappuzha, Kerala, with 485 female students aged 18-25. Sociodemographic data, knowledge about menstruation, and practices were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Menarche occurred at 12 years or later, with 79% feeling unprepared. Mothers were the primary sources of information on menstruation. Positive perceptions and good knowledge of menstruation were observed. Most pads were disposed of in incinerators (54.6%) at college and burned at home (84%). Socially, participants felt discomfort in being seen by a colleague during the disposal of pads and conversing about menstruation. Several cultural practices related to menstruation were prevalent, with beliefs varying among respondents.
 It also emphasizes the importance of family support, privacy, and the stigma associated with menstruation. Understanding the challenges faced by girls during menstruation and their coping strategies is essential. The findings contribute to the existing knowledge of menstrual hygiene practices and perceptions among college-going girls, aiding the development of targeted interventions for better menstrual health management highlighting the need for increased awareness of menstruation, addressing cultural barriers, and providing reproductive health education.