Study of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices regarding Reproductive and Sexual Health among School Going Adolescent Girls in Rural Area of Maharashtra

Abstract

Background: Adolescents have many misconceptions regarding reproductive and sexual health and lack access to age and gender appropriate health information. So, they find out about the same from inauthentic sources of information. Attitudes and decisions based on such information greatly influence a woman’s health. Objectives: This study was carried out to study the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding reproductive and sexual health and to study the sources used to obtain information on reproductive and sexual health. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 400 schools going adolescent girls in rural area of Maharashtra. Self-structured and pre-tested questionnaire was used to assess their knowledge and attitude regarding reproductive and sexual health and study menstrual practices. Results: Total 400 adolescent girls participated in the study. The knowledge and attitude of 164 (41.0%) and 315 (78.8%) participants respectively was poor. The menstrual practices of 271 (67.8%) participants were poor. Conclusion: The knowledge, attitude and practices regarding reproductive and sexual health of more than half the participants was poor. For development of healthy attitudes and practices, age and gender appropriate health education is a must.