Menstrual taboos and social restrictions affecting good menstrual hygiene management among reproductive age group female students

Abstract

Background: Awareness about menstruation and menstrual hygiene is an important aspect of health education for adolescent girls and pre-menopausal women. Taboos and socio-cultural restrictions still overcome the scientific facts and hygienic health practices among females of different communities. The present study was designed to assess the knowledge, awareness, beliefs, restrictions and practices regarding menstruation among the undergraduate and postgraduate females of Amritsar city of Punjab.Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted among two hundred female students pursuing different degree courses in the university. A pre-designed questionnaire contains thirty five questions related to socio-demographic profile, knowledge and practices and different socio-cultural and environmental factors which affects menstrual hygiene.Results: The study results elicited that majority of the participants know that menstruation was a physiological process and poor menstrual hygiene leads to urinary and reproductive tract infections. As most of the participants were from middle class families residing in the urban areas of the city, they faced fewer restrictions and can access and afford sanitary napkins easily.Conclusions: This study shows a significant association between the age and knowledge of the participants regarding menstrual hygiene practices. The education status of the parents plays an important role in the good menstrual hygiene practices of the participants.