Abstract
BackgroundMenstruation, a natural biologic process is associated with restrictions and superstitious beliefs in Nepal. However, factual data on women’s perspectives on menstrual practices and restrictions are scarce. This study aimed to assess socio-cultural perceptions of menstrual restrictions among urban Nepalese women in the Kathmandu valley.MethodsUsing a clustered random sampling, 1342 adolescent girls and women of menstruating age (≥15 years) from three urban districts in the Kathmandu valley completed a survey related to menstrual practices and restriction. This was a cross-sectional survey study using a customized program allowing pull-down, multiple choice and open-ended questions in the Nepali language. The self-administered questionnaire consisted of 13 demographic questions and 22 questions related to menstruation, menstrual hygiene, socio-cultural taboos, beliefs and practices. Univariate descriptive statistics were reported. Unadjusted associations of socio-cultural practices with ethnicity, education, four major social classes, three major religions, marital status and family type were assessed using logistic regression models.ResultsMore than half (59%) of the participants were aged between 15- < 25 years. The majority were Hindus (84.5%), reported not praying during menstruation (83.1%) and were encouraged by their mothers (72.1%) to practice a range of menstrual restrictions. Purifying either the kitchen, bed, bedsheets or other household things on the fourth day of menstruation was reported by 66.1% of the participants, and 45.4% saw menstruation as a “bother” or “curse.” There were differences among social classes, where participants of the Janajati caste, an indigenous group, were more likely to enter places of worship [OR (95%CI): 1.74 (1.06–2.86)] and pray [OR (95%CI): 1.79 (1.18–2.71)] while menstruating, compared to the Brahmins. Participants with a master’s degree were more likely to pray while menstruating, compared to participants with less than a high school education [OR (95%CI): 2.83 (1.61–4.96)].ConclusionThis study throws light on existing social discriminations, deep-rooted cultural and religious superstitions among women, and gender inequalities in the urban areas of Kathmandu valley in Nepal. Targeted education and awareness are needed to make changes and balance between cultural and social practices during menstruation.
Highlights
Menstrual practices and beliefs are often constructed from gender, religion and culture [1]
Even though the practice of Chhaupadi has never been prevalent among urban Nepalese women, because of Nepal government’s initiatives on education, hygiene and socio-cultural awareness, the deeply-rooted cultural and religious belief that menstruation is spiritually polluting still exists in the Nepali society
Not attending religious or social gatherings, not touching plants or male members of the family, purifying the bed on the fourth day of menstruation, are just some of the common menstrual practices or restrictions followed by menstruating women
Summary
Menstrual practices and beliefs are often constructed from gender, religion and culture [1]. The majority of these women do not have access to proper toilets, clean water, sanitary napkins/ menstrual pads/ tampons or the privacy to change or dispose of menstrual hygiene materials [4]. They are embarrassed to have their periods and rely on used, damp, cotton cloths or rags to control menstrual bleeding [5]. Women, especially in rural remote areas, are unable to properly wash and dry used menstrual cloths; reusing unhygienic cotton cloths instead of clean sanitary napkins and cloths is a common practice in low and middle income countries [5, 6]. This study aimed to assess socio-cultural perceptions of menstrual restrictions among urban Nepalese women in the Kathmandu valley
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
