Adolescent Girls In India Research Articles

Dowry demand, perception of wife-beating, decision making power and associated partner violence among married adolescent girls: A cross-sectional analytical study in India.

Violence against women is considered a fundamental violation of their human rights. According to the world health organization (WHO), one-third of women worldwide experience some form of intimate partner violence (IPV). This study aimed to investigate the relationship between dowry demand, perception of wife-beating, decision-making on work and household purchases and physical, sexual, and emotional violence against married adolescent girls in India by using a large dataset. Data from the Understanding the lives of adolescents and young adults (UDAYA) project survey were used in this study. The final sample size included 4893 married adolescent girls. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were performed to examine preliminary results. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the associations between dowry demand, perception of wife-beating, decision-making and types of IPV. The prevalence of emotional, physical, and sexual violence among married adolescent girls were 28.6%, 22.9%, and 26.1%, respectively. Approximately 44% of married adolescent girls have experienced some form of violence (emotional, physical, or sexual). The likelihood of experiencing violence was 3.64 times more likely among adolescent girls who reported that dowry was demanded by their in-laws than their counterparts [aOR: 3.64; CI: 3.05-4.35]. Moreover, married girls who justified wife-beating were more likely to face any violence than their counterparts [aOR: 1.56; CI: 1.28-1.90]. Similarly, adolescent girls whose work decisions were made by others had higher odds of experiencing any violence than those who decided their work themselves/jointly with others [aOR: 1.34; CI: 1.07-1.68]. The odds of any violence were higher among adolescent girls whose decisions on household purchases were made by others compared to those who decided to make purchases themselves or jointly with others [aOR: 1.37; CI: 1.09-1.71]. The findings revealed significant associations between dowry-demand, justification of wife-beating, decision making power and IPV among married adolescent girls, and suggest policies that help reduce violence related to the predominantly practiced dowry system in the country, and programs aimed at educating adolescent married girls about their rights against violence and empowering them to retain equal decision-making power within their families and reduce their vulnerability to domestic violence.

Iron Deficiency Among the Rural Adolescent Girls in India - A Study of Nutritional Public Health Challenge

Iron Deficiency Among the Rural Adolescent Girls in India - A Study of Nutritional Public Health Challenge

A Comparative Study of Bone-Health and Associated Factors in Healthy Indian Adolescents and Young Women.

Adolescence is a critical period for the accrual of bone mass. However, few studies have assessed the bone geometry in slum-dwelling girls/young women. We thus conducted this study: (1) to assess bone health in Indian adolescent girls and young women residing in slum vs nonslum (NS) areas and (2) to identify factors associated with poor bone health. This cross-sectional case-control study was performed on 110 apparently healthy unmarried, nonpregnant, nonlactating, postmenarchal adolescent girls and young women aged 11 to 24 years residing in urban slums with the same number of age-matched controls from NS areas. Anthropometric, dietary, physical-activity and bone-health parameters (using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and peripheral quantitative computed tomography-DXA and pQCT-respectively) were evaluated using standard protocols. A P value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Slum girls were significantly shorter and lighter and had lower dietary intakes of calcium and protein after adjusting for total daily calorie intake than NS girls (P < 0.05). Areal bone-mineral density (BMD) at lumber spine (0.940 ± 0.13 vs1.042 ± 0.15 g/cm2), femur and total body (less-head), bone-mineral apparent density adjusted for volume at the lumbar spine (0.295 ± 0.04 vs 0.319 ± 0.04 g/cm3) and height-adjusted bone density at femur (0.862 ± 0.011 vs 0.905 ± 0.011 g/cm2) were significantly lower in slum dwelling participants as compared to their NS counterparts (P < 0.05). After adjusting for confounders like sunlight exposure, anthropometric parameters and dietary calcium intake, area of dwelling was still a significant factor for the difference in BMD. The potential determinants of poor bone density and geometry in girls and young women residing in slums include residential location, dietary habits, and physical activity levels. Despite adjustments for confounding factors, differences in bone health between those in slum and nonslum areas suggest adaptations developed over generations of deprivation in these individuals, necessitating urgent intervention.

Factors Associated with Exclusive Use of Hygienic Methods during Menstruation among Adolescent Girls (15–19 Years) in Urban India: Evidence from NFHS-5

BackgroundMenstrual hygiene is a critical public health concern for adolescent girls in urban India. However, there is a paucity of research on this subject, particularly on a national scale. To the best of our knowledge, this study diverges from previous research, as the majority of prior investigations in India have centered on rural locales, married individuals, and those aged between 15 and 24 years. Thus, this study aims to fill this gap by investigating the factors associated with the exclusive use of hygienic methods during menstruation among urban adolescent girls (15–19 years) in India. MethodA total of 25136 samples were included in this analysis from the National Family Health Survey 5 (NFHS-5). The Binary logistic regression model has been administered to determine the associated factors of the exclusive use of hygienic methods among adolescent girls. ResultsThe results of the multivariate model revealed significant positive associations between higher education levels and usage of menstrual hygiene management products (AOR: 1.860; 95 % CI: 1.418–2.439), (AOR: 2.110; 95 % CI: 1.553–2.867). Additionally, individuals in higher wealth quintiles were more likely to use MHM products, with the richest quintile showing the highest likelihood (AOR: 5.310; 95 % CI: 4.494–6.275). Attendance at cultural events such as cinema or theater was positively associated with MHM product utilization (AOR: 1.338; 95 % CI: 1.181–1.517).Conversely, Lack of access to sanitation facilities was inversely associated with MHM product utilization (AOR: 0.742; 95 % CI: 0.628–0.877). Muslim girls had lower odds than Hindus (AOR: 0.576; 95 % CI: 0.520–0.637). Substantial regional variations were evident, with the Western (AOR: 0.879; 95 % CI: 0.759–1.019), Eastern (AOR: 0.747; 95 % CI: 0.654–0.854), Central (AOR: 0.349; 95 % CI: 0.313–0.388), and North-eastern regions (AOR: 0.597; 95 % CI: 0.490–0.727) displaying diminished odds of MHM product usage relative to the southern region. General caste had higher odds compared to scheduled caste (AOR: 1.255, 95 % CI: 1.103–1.429), while other backward caste had lower odds (AOR: 0.858, 95 % CI: 0.771–0.955). ConclusionThese findings underscore the importance of addressing inequalities in access to menstrual hygiene products among urban adolescent girls in India. Targeted interventions and educational programs are essential to ensure equitable access and promote overall health and well-being.

Perception, practices and understanding of teenage pregnancy among the adolescent girls in India: A scoping review protocol.

Teenage pregnancy is a subject of concern among adolescents. Inadequate knowledge and misperceptions about pregnancy are major contributing factors to teenage pregnancy. Without a proper understanding, adolescents are involved in unsafe sexual practices, which results in pregnancy. So, perception and understanding are important aspects to explore among adolescents. In this planned scope review, all eligible studies will be identified around the perception, practices, and understanding of teenage pregnancy among married and unmarried adolescent girls. The Arksey and O'Malley (2005) scoping review framework and the Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewers' Manual (2015) will be used for the planned scoping review. The population, concept, and context strategy (PCC) will be used to develop the research question, search strategy, and eligibility criteria. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA ScR) will be used for the findings of the study. For the literature search, authors will use Google Scholar, PubMed, and ResearchGate electronic databases with specific words such as "teenage", "adolescence", "pregnancy", "perception", "knowledge", "awareness" and "abortion". The planned scoping review will be helpful in addressing the lack of adolescent misperception, malpractices, and misunderstandings regarding teenage pregnancy. It can provide detailed information about teenage pregnancy in the Indian context. The evidence synthesis and gap analysis will be helpful in suggesting insights into the issue of teenage pregnancy, which will be helpful in future policies and programs.

IJCM_30A: A mixed methods study to assess the contributory factors to anaemia among adolescent girls studying in tribal schools in a rural area of Maharashtra

Background: Anaemia is prevalent globally, notably in marginalized adolescent girls. NFHS-5 reports 59.1% anaemia in Indian adolescent girls. Tribal communities face unique health challenges due to their sociocultural dynamics. The national program for anaemia addresses this, but its implementation in contexts like tribal areas is unexplored. This study integrates quantitative and qualitative data for a thorough understanding of anaemia and its control in tribal settings. Objectives: 1. To estimate the prevalence of anaemia in tribal adolescent girls 2. To explore the awareness of anaemia in tribal adolescent girls 3. To understand the challenges in the implementation of an anaemia control program in a tribal setting Methodology: This 6-month mixed methods study assessed anaemia prevalence among adolescent girls in tribal schools. Using complete enumeration, a 200-sample size was determined, with obtained informed consent and assent. Adolescent girls were administered a questionnaire in their local language to collect information on their socio-demographic status and anaemia-related habits like diet and handwashing among others. Haemoglobin levels were measured using a digital haemoglobinometer. Focus Group Discussions with willing girls explored their understanding of anaemia, its causes and complications. Forced field analysis for ASHA and Anganwadi workers and certain Key Informant Interviews were conducted. Data was collected until saturation. Ethical approval with confidentiality was ensured. Results: The prevalence of anaemia was 70%, indicating a severe public health concern. Among these, 57.1% had mild, 34.3% had moderate, and 8.6% had severe anaemia. Anaemia in girls was statistically associated with specific food groups and habits. Low awareness of anaemia and operational issues in the control program were also identified. Conclusion: To enhance adolescent awareness of anaemia, efforts to improve their understanding of the condition and its impact are necessary. This research is vital for informing policymakers and health practitioners in refining interventions for this specific demographic in Maharashtra.

Demographic correlates, lifestyle habits, and health effects of poor sleep quality in Indian adolescent girls living in a second-tier city

Background: Insufficient sleep, poor sleep quality, and sleepiness are common problems related to learning, memory, and school performance. During puberty, sleep habits change earlier among girls in parallel to their earlier pubertal maturity. The changes occur during adolescence in response to maturational changes and increased autonomy and independence. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to estimate the prevalence of poor sleep quality among adolescent girls in a second-tier city. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional observational study conducted in 150 school-going adolescent girls from three different schools in a second-tier city. The study was conducted using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scale for assessment of the quality of sleep and an investigator designed pro forma to analyze various lifestyle habits. Kutcher Adolescent Depression Scale 6 was used to address the depressive symptoms. Results: Prevalence of poor sleep quality was 9.2%. Pre-bed screen time of &gt;30 min was found in 53% of girls with poor sleep quality. Overweight girls also have poor sleep quality. Good grades (&gt;90% marks in examinations) were associated with poor sleep quality. About 8.3% of girls with poor sleep quality have one or more symptoms pertaining to depression. Conclusion: The pre-bed screen time of more than 30 min in the form of any electronic screens leads to poor sleep quality and poor sleep quality is significantly associated with being overweight. Poor sleep quality is also associated with some symptoms of depression. These all are observed in the girls living in a tier two city, awareness among adolescent girls must be spread to decrease the screen time and they should also be encouraged for better sleep hygiene.

IJCM_360A: Do Body Image Concerns Affect Our Adolescent girls? A Cross-sectional Study among female undergraduate medical students in Guntur medical college.

Background: People’s thoughts and feelings about their own bodies are related to their body image. Adolescents want to gain or lose weight in order to achieve the ideal physique in today’s culture due to the developing notion of ideal body image. Because there are currently few studies on body image, this research aims to fill in the gaps in our understanding of the still-developing field of body image perception. Objectives: 1. To find out the proportion of girls dissatisfied about body image. 2. To find the association of various factors with body image dissatisfaction and to ascertain the weight control behaviours adopted by adolescent medical under graduate students. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was done among 300 medical undergraduate college girls in Guntur medical college. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on various factors associated with body image dissatisfaction. Body mass index (BMI) of the participants was calculated. Results: Body image dissatisfaction was there among 65.3% of the girls. It was found that factors such as higher BMI, sociocultural pressure to be thin and depression were all significantly associated with body image dissatisfaction. The most commonly followed weight control behaviours were eating small meals and skipping meals. Improving the appearance and body shape were the main reasons for weight control behaviour. Conclusion: This study establishes the fact that body image dissatisfaction is no longer a western concept and affects Indian adolescent girls to a great extent. Hence, effective interventions have to be planned to increase awareness on ideal body weight and protect our young generation from pressures of negative body image.

Youthful Choices: A Secondary Analysis of the NFHS-5 Data to Examine Tobacco Use in Indian Adolescent Girls and Young Women

Background and aim: Tobacco use among adolescents and young women is a global health concern. This study investigates the prevalence and determinants of tobacco use among adolescents and young women in India. Methods: Based on data from the National Family Health Survey-5, this study explored tobacco use among 241,180 young women aged 15–24 in India. The research investigated determinants of current tobacco use, encompassing any tobacco use in any form, smoked and smokeless tobacco (SLT). Independent variables include demographics, religion, caste, region, education, occupation, body mass index, wealth index, alcohol consumption, and media exposure. We used multivariable logistic regression models to estimate the adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Results: Findings revealed that 1.3% of the population are current tobacco users, with 1.2% using SLT and 0.14% smoking. Significant determinants included age, urban residence, religion, scheduled tribe status, wealth index, education, alcohol co-use, region, and pregnancy/lactation status. Young women (young women, 3.5% &gt; adolescents, 1.5%; OR 1.78, 95%CI 1.65, 1.92), urban dwellers (OR 1.38, 95%CI 1.32, 1.43), and alcohol users (OR 5.6, 95%CI 4.88, 6.33) exhibited higher odds of tobacco use. In contrast, education (higher education OR 0.15, 95%CI 0.13, 0.18) and higher socioeconomic status (richest OR 0.3, 95%CI 0.22, 0.31) were protective factors. Conclusion: Our research offered valuable insights into tobacco use among young Indian women. To effectively curb tobacco use in this population, it is imperative to address the identified determinants and vulnerabilities through tailored public health strategies and policies.

Prevalence of anaemia among adolescent girls (10-19 years) in India: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background Anaemia is a serious public health problem. It is the second-commonest contributing factor to years lost by adolescents to disability and death. Targeting adolescent girls will allow a window of opportunity to correct their nutritional health and improve their obstetric outcomes. Studies in India have reported varying prevalence rates of anaemia among adolescent girls. Hence, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis of community-based studies to obtain a comprehensive pooled estimate of the prevalence of anaemia among adolescent girls in India. Methods We did a systematic electronic search in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Google scholar to retrieve community-based studies that reported the prevalence of anaemia among adolescent girls (10-19 years) in India, without any date or language restriction. To estimate the pooled prevalence and heterogeneity, the random-effects model and I2 statistical methods were used. We did subgroup analyses based on geographical region, study setting, method used to measure haemoglobin concentration, and year of publication. Results We included 35 studies in this meta-analysis comprising 152 640 participants. The pooled prevalence of anaemia among adolescent girls was 65.7% (95% CI 59.3%- 71.9%). There was significant heterogeneity between the studies (I2 99.6%; p<0.001). Conclusion There is a high prevalence of anaemia among adolescent girls in India. While all regions of the country have a high prevalence, tribal areas need special attention. Targeted actions need to focus on the identification of determinants of anaemia apart from iron supplementation.

Anemia Prevalence and Socioeconomic Status among Adolescent Girls in Rural Western India: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Anemia poses a significant challenge among Indian adolescent girls due to their heightened vulnerability, resulting from increased micronutrient requirements, rapid physical growth, menstrual blood loss, inadequate nutrition, and socioeconomic disparities. This study sought to evaluate the prevalence of anemia, along with socioeconomic and nutritional statuses among adolescent girls attending rural public schools in Pune, India. A sample of 400 girls was selected from 22 villages through Symbiosis International University. Hemoglobin levels were assessed using the HemoCue 201 system, while standardized protocols were employed for height, weight, and BMI-for-age measurements. Socioeconomic status was determined using the Kuppuswamy scale. The findings revealed an overall anemia prevalence of (42.75%), comprising severe (2.5%), moderate (21%) and mild (20.25%) cases. Additionally, a substantial proportion (74.6%) of girls were classified as underweight. Socioeconomic analysis disclosed that 64.25% of families belonged to the lower middle class, and 27% in the upper lower class. Anemia was more prevalent in young adolescent girls (10-14 years) and in the families of adolescents who had low income, were illiterate, unemployed, and belonged to the lower-middle class and upper-lower-class socio-economic status (SES) and did not have a bank account. Anemia was prevalent in adolescent girls and associated with low SES. This study underscores the limitations of relying solely on the distribution of iron and folic acid tablets to combat anemia. A holistic strategy is imperative, encompassing improvements in SES of families (literacy, employment and income), as well as initiatives aimed at enhancing the nutritional status of adolescent girls.

Exploring eating behaviors, knowledge and attitudes of adolescent Indian girls.

Data on the eating behaviors, knowledge, and attitudes of adolescent girls in Visnagar, India, focusing on the prevalence of non-communicable diseases [NCDs] and their association with dietary practices is of interest. Adolescence, a crucial developmental phase, sets the foundation for lifelong health habits, necessitating an understanding of the determinants influencing eating behaviors. The research aims to identify gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and practices [KAP], providing insights for culturally sensitive public health strategies. Through structured questionnaires and Likert scales, data were collected from a purposive sample of adolescent girls [ages 12-18] in a selected school. Descriptive statistics and correlation analyses were employed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors, considering demographic variables. Non-significant associations were found between these variables and demographics. The mean knowledge score was 25.11, reflecting a moderate level, while the mean attitudes score was 99.54, indicating generally positive attitudes. Adolescent girls demonstrated an overall mean behaviour score of 110.93, with a positive correlation [0.72] between knowledge and behaviors and a stronger correlation [0.99] between attitudes and behaviors. Findings highlight the universal importance of knowledge in influencing eating behaviors and emphasize the need for culturally tailored interventions considering regional influences. The study contributes valuable insights into the interplay of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to eating disorders in adolescent girls, serving as a foundation for targeted public health strategies.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Menstrual Hygiene Management Among Adolescent Schoolgirls (10-19 Years) in the Saurashtra Region, Gujarat.

Background Menstrual health management proves pivotal for the adoption of hygienic practices and the embracement of womanhood from the onset of menarche. Menstrual hygiene is pivotal yet under-addressed among adolescent girls in India. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding menstrual hygiene and influencing factors. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted among 361 adolescent schoolgirls aged 10-19 years in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat using a pretested questionnaire. Multistage sampling was used. In the first stage, six schools (three rural and three urban) were selected through random sampling. In the second stage, all adolescent girls aged 10-19 years in the selected schools who had attained menarche were invited to participate. Those who provided written assent were included in the study. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and logistic regression. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results Knowledge about menstruation was evenly distributed as good (47.65%) and poor (52.35%). Most relied on mothers for information and considered menstruation a normal phenomenon. Attitudes reflected complex cultural perceptions. The use of sanitary pads was high (96.12%), although 39.89% used reused absorbents. Multivariate analysis revealed age 16-19 years (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.08, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.14-3.81), higher parental education, pit latrine usage (AOR = 6.7, 95% CI = 2.97-15.15), and knowledge about menstruation (AOR = 8.21, 95% CI = 4.56-14.78) as positive predictors of good menstrual practices. Conclusions Despite the widespread use of sanitary pads, the persisting knowledge gap and sociocultural influences lead to unhygienic practices. Improving awareness and attitudes through educational interventions among adolescent girls and mothers, in particular, addressing cultural taboos through the engagement of all stakeholders, and improving sanitation infrastructure in schools are imperative.

A cognitive dissonance body image intervention ‘Free Being Me’ delivered by guide leaders to adolescent girl guides in India: A pilot and acceptability trial

This pilot study assessed the acceptability and pre-post intervention effects of a cognitive dissonance-based body image intervention, Free Being Me, delivered by Guide leaders to adolescent girls in India. Girls aged 11–14 years (Mage = 12.6, N = 117), who were members of the national scouting and guiding association of India, received the intervention across five weekly 1-hour group sessions. The primary outcome (body esteem) and secondary outcomes (self-esteem, internalisation of appearance ideals, negative and positive affect, and life disengagement) were measured pre-intervention and immediately post-intervention. The intervention was acceptable. Adolescent girls reported high levels of comfort (89%), enjoyment (90%), and perceived importance (92%) with suggestions for improvement including more interactive activities. Facilitator adherence and competence delivering Free Being Me was rated good. Significant within-groups pre-post intervention improvements in body esteem (Cohen’s d = 0.28) and reductions in internalisation of appearance ideals (Cohen’s d = 0.49) were identified. No changes to self-esteem, negative or positive affect, or life disengagement were observed. This study suggests that Free Being Me is acceptable for community-based delivery and Guide leader format with promising pre-post intervention effects. Going forward, a randomised controlled trial is necessary to make confident interpretations on the effectiveness of Free Being Me.

Etiology of Mild and Moderate Anaemia Among Rural Adolescent Girls in India.

A cluster randomized control trial study was conducted in Ballabgarh block of Faridabad District, Haryana, India. Baseline data of a total of 198 non-anemic and 202 anemic adolescent girls (12-19 years) was analyzed for hemoglobin and serum level of hepcidin, ferritin, folate acid, soluble transferrin receptor, vitamin B12 and CRP. Deficiency of iron (p < 0.001), folate (p < 0.01) and their mixed deficiency (p < 0.001) significantly increased with increasing severity of anaemia and contributed to 48.7% mild anaemia and 66.9% moderate anaemia. Anaemia of inflammation contributed to 16.2% of mild anaemia and 11.7% of moderate anaemia. More than one third of mild anaemia is caused by other causes. Current iron and folic acid program can alleviate around more than 2/3rd moderate anaemia and aroundhalf of mild anaemia among adolescent girls. Unknown causes of anaemia need further investigation.

Prevalence and predictors of iron deficiency anaemia in adolescent girls in India

Background: In India, iron deficiency anaemia is highly prevalent, particularly among women of reproductive age group. Following early childhood, during adolescence, the risk of iron deficiency and anaemia reappears for both boys and girls, but remains more susceptible to girls because of menstrual loss. The aim of this study was to find the prevalence and predictors of iron deficiency anaemia in adolescent girls in India. Methods: This study was a descriptive form of review of literature on data from comprehensive national nutrition survey (CNNS 2016-2018). CNNS was conducted to collect data on the nutritional status of Indian children from 0-19 years of age. The data collection period was from 26 February 2016 to 24 October 2018 and data was collected using individual and household questionnaires. Results: In the study, prevalence of various levels of anaemia (mild, moderate and severe) was higher in adolescent girls as compared to adolescent boys. Adolescent girls had 31.3% iron deficiency whereas adolescent boys had 11.5% iron deficiency. Anaemia prevalence was also higher in the age group 15-19 years as compared to 10-14 years. Conclusions: It was concluded that iron deficiency anaemia was more prevalent in adolescent girls than boys. Inadequate intake of iron rich foods and vitamin C, less knowledge about anaemia, low socio economic conditions along with poor hygiene and sanitation practices are the major factors that contribute to iron deficiency anaemia.

Spatiotemporal change in socioeconomic inequality in hygienic menstrual product use among adolescent girls in India during 2015–2019

BackgroundThe use of hygienic products, such as sanitary napkins, tampons, and menstrual cups, to absorb menstrual blood is vital for the health and well-being of adolescent girls in India. However, the degree of inequity in the use of such products among this subpopulation remains inadequately explored. To fill this critical knowledge gap, this study aims to investigate the spatiotemporal dynamics of hygienic product use among adolescent girls in India from 2015 to 2020.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, we analyzed data from 117,749 to 114,839 adolescent girls aged 15–19, obtained from two consecutive rounds of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) conducted in India during 2015-16 and 2019-21. Our approach involved utilizing Erreygers’ Concentration Index (ECI) and Concentration Curve to quantitatively assess and visually represent socioeconomic inequality in hygienic product usage. Additionally, we investigated the spatiotemporal variation in this inequality over the study period and decomposed the ECI to identify the key contributing factors.ResultsThe findings reveal that hygienic product usage among adolescent girls in India has increased by 13 percentage points (PP), from 37% in 2015-16 to 50% in 2019-21. This increase is also visible across all household wealth quintiles. However, the bottom quintiles experienced a greater rise (+ 15 to 16 PP) than the top quintile (+ 8 PP). During the study period, the ECI reduced marginally, from 0.48 in 2015-16 to 0.43 in 2019-21. However, the extent of this reduction varied across different states. The greatest reduction in ECI was recorded in Punjab (-0.23 points), Telangana (-0.16 points), and West Bengal (-0.14 points). In contrast, there were a number of states with high socioeconomic inequality (ECI > 0.30) in 2015-16, where inequality reduction was minimal (< 0.05 points) over the study period. This included more developed states of Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Gujarat and relatively less developed states of Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Assam. Some states, such as Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, recorded an increase in socioeconomic inequality over the study period, with ECI rising to 0.31 and 0.46 (highest in the country) in 2019-21. The decomposition analysis revealed that the inequality in using hygienic products was primarily explained by place of residence, exposure to mass-media, education, and region of residence.ConclusionsThe findings suggest the need for targeted policies to reduce existing socioeconomic inequality in the usage of hygienic products among adolescent girls in India. Specifically, interventions should target regions with low use of hygienic products, economically disadvantaged groups, and poor and vulnerable populations. State-specific policies and programs are also necessary to address the disparities in socioeconomic inequality. Additionally, efforts to reduce inequality should address the underlying factors contributing to inequality.

A Prospective Study of the Age at Menarche in North Indian Girls, Its Association With the Tanner Stage, and the Secular Trend.

Background Menarche is an important event in a female's reproductive health. However, the age at menarche is variable and has implications on the future health of the girl. The purpose of this study was to estimate the mean age at menarche of North Indian adolescent girls and its association with the Tanner stageand to study the trend of menarcheal age in India in the 21st century. Materials & methods A longitudinal descriptive study was conducted on 470 healthy girls aged nine to 16 years in expectant menarche (Tanner stage II). They were followed for six months to check for the attainment of menarche. Those who achieved menarche were grouped in Group I and the rest in Group II. The data were analyzed using the independent t-test. Results Menarche was achieved by 263 girls in the six-month follow-up period. The mean (SD) age of menarche was 13.13 (1.23) years. Group I girls were mostly in Tanner stage IV and above. Group II girls had a mean (SD) age of 11.53 (1.1) years and were mostly in Tanner stage III or below. The estimated decline in the age of menarche in the 21st century was about 0.41 years per decade. Conclusion The girls who achieved menarche had a significantly higher age and Tanner stage of sexual maturity than girls who did not achieve menarche in the study period. Tanner stage is a better measure to estimate the pubertal onset than age. The studies on the age of menarche in the current century reveal that the declining trend in the menarcheal age is continuing in India.

A study on prevalence and risk factors of depression among adolescent girls studying in government and private schools-A comparative study.

The prevalence of depression among school-going adolescent girls in India is about 40%. Adolescent girls attending private and government-run schools in South India have vastly different sociodemographic backgrounds and school environments. Assessing the associated risk factors for depression will help in designing appropriate preventive strategies. To evaluate the prevalence of depression among school-going adolescent girls and the associated risk factors among government and private school students. The cross-sectional comparative study was conducted in two private and two government-run schools in Tamil Nadu. A semi-structured questionnaire and 11-item Kutcher Adolescent Depression Scale were administered to female students belonging to grades eight, nine, and ten. Differences in the prevalence of depression and the familial, social, and behavioral risk factors between private and government school students were measured and analyzed. The prevalence of depression among our study population is 23.8%. An adolescent girl studying in a private school has a 4.67 times higher chance of being depressed as compared to her counterpart in a government school. Stress due to higher academic expectations, peer pressure, disagreement with friends, excess smartphone usage, and family discord are associated factors in private school students, and family discord and chronic illness among family members were associated risk factors for depression in government school students. There is a wide disparity in the prevalence of depression and associated factors among private and government school-going adolescent girls. The intervention program for depression has to be addressed differently according to the type of school.

Level of Self-Objectification among Adolescent Girls from Co-educational Schools and All-Girls Schools: A Comparative Study.

Indian females have been objectified since time immemorial. The ancient Indian texts and architecture have numerous instances of sexual objectification of females. In the present time, self-objectification in girls is evident from the increasing popularity of apps like Photoshop, the rise in the makeup industry, plastic and cosmetic surgeries, and so on. This is especially relevant for females across the globe and leads to huge negative effects on women's identities. The aim of the present study is to assess and compare the levels of body surveillance (self-objectification), body shaming, and control beliefs in adolescent girls from co-educational schools and all-girls schools. Four hundred adolescent girls from Convent schools in different cities in Uttar Pradesh were included in the study using purposive (homogeneous) sampling based on the inclusion criteria. The Objectified Body Consciousness Scale (OBCS) was used to assess body surveillance (self-objectification), body shaming, and control beliefs. The results of the study revealed that the level of body surveillance (self-objectification) was significantly high among Indian adolescent girls. It was found that all-girls schools had a higher level of body surveillance (self-objectification), body shaming, and control beliefs as compared to adolescent girls from co-educational schools. It can be concluded that the phenomenon of self-objectification has numerous implications for the physical and mental well-being of girls, particularly during their formative years. Healthy behaviors and positive thoughts are the best ways to respect and honor one's body. The research suggests the need for meditation, awareness workshops, and school-level counseling for adolescent girls, especially in all-girls schools.