Abstract
Background: Menstruation is the physiological process, but its physiology and nature are very poorly understood among the female population due to many sociocultural factors which make them to adapt certain practices unknowingly whether it is correct or false. This study was done with the objectives of exploring the menstrual practices followed among urban and rural female population. Materials and Methods: This study was done as a community based - cross-sectional study at the outskirts of Chennai, among the randomly selected females in the reproductive age (15-44) group from both rural and urban field practice areas using questionnaire and interview method. The results were expressed in percentages, and appropriate test of significance was performed. Results: Approximately, a total of 212 from the rural area and 206 from urban slum were randomly selected for the study of which 9% (19) from rural and 5.3% (11) not aware of sanitary pads that can be used during menstruation. Among the study participants, 42.5% (90) of rural and 40.3% (83) of urban were unaware from which organ menstruation is from. The prevalence of better menstrual hygienic practices using the menstrual hygiene index was found to be 63.6% (131) in urban slum and 35% (75) in a rural area which was found to be statistically significant ( P Conclusion: Our study has revealed that most of the females are still unaware menstrual hygienic practices which suggest that appropriate health promotive measures to be implemented for their reproductive well-being.
Highlights
Menstruation is the physiological process which starts at menarche at or before sexual maturity, in females and ceases at or near menopause
Approximately, a total of 212 from the rural area and 206 from urban slum were randomly selected for the study of which 9% (19) from rural and 5.3% (11) not aware of sanitary pads that can be used during menstruation
This study was done with the objectives of exploring the menstrual practices and addressing the knowledge, cultural beliefs, and experiences regarding menstrual practices among the female population residing in urban slum and rural areas
Summary
Menstruation is the physiological process which starts at menarche at or before sexual maturity, in females and ceases at or near menopause. Whether rural or urban, irrespective of their socioeconomic status have their own beliefs and practices concerning menstrual hygiene It is well-known that cultural factors are deeply involved in all the affairs of man and women. Some of these cultural factors, followed years together without any scientific background and for which they have their own explanation in relation to their cultural practices These sociocultural factors like myths and taboos concerning menstruation and health and disease were explored by many studies like.[1,2] many studies were conducted to assess the menstrual practices, the diversity of cultural practices in India, mandates to investigate more and more on menstrual hygiene. Menstruation is the physiological process, but its physiology and nature are very poorly understood among the female population due to many sociocultural factors which make them to adapt certain practices unknowingly whether it is correct or false. Conclusion: Our study has revealed that most of the females are still unaware menstrual hygienic practices which suggest that appropriate health promotive measures to be implemented for their reproductive well-being
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