Adolescent Girls In India Research Articles

Measuring the effectiveness of communication programming on menstrual health and hygiene management (MHM) social norms among adolescent girls in India

ABSTRACT This manuscript has two objectives: (1) operationalise and measure the fit of two theory-based measures of social norms and (2) examine the relationship between a social and behaviour change communication (SBCC) initiative, social norms, and menstrual health and hygiene management (MHM) among rural adolescent girls in Uttar Pradesh, India. A population-based, case-comparison design was utilised. Interviews were conducted (n = 2212) using quantitative questionnaires. Social norms were operationalised in two ways: (1) a composite additive measure of self-approval, perception of other girls’ approval and perception of other girls’ practice of the desired MHM behaviour; (2) based on social restrictions. The composite measure had a better model fit, suggesting that social norms should be examined as a multi-dimensional construct with a two-way relationship between personal beliefs and injunctive and descriptive norms. Bivariate and multivariate analysis assessed the relationship between the SBCC intervention, social norms, and adequate MHM. Adolescent girls in the intervention group had more positive social norms (43.99% versus 21.11%) and those reporting positive social norms had 1.66 (95% CI: 1.33–2.09) times greater odds of being in the ‘high’ MHM practice group, indicating that SBCC interventions promoting positive social norms can impact practice of MHM.

Using qualitative research methods to identify problems faced by adolescent girls in rural Andhra Pradesh

Background: Adolescence lays the foundation for physical wellbeing, emotional stability and mental ability. Quantitative methods often lack depth of understanding on crucial issues and leave many lacunae in the information available about the problems faced by adolescent girls in India. Using qualitative methods, a researcher can go beyond the surface and gather hidden information and associated feelings. Objective of the research was to qualitatively assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of health among adolescent girls (15-19 years) living in a rural area.Methods: This qualitative study to explore issues surrounding the health of adolescent girls in a rural area was conducted from August 2018 to November 2018 in the rural field practice area of the NRI Medical College. The qualitative methods used to gather information were focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews (IDIs). Triangulation of information was done through key informant interviews (KIIs) with professionals working with adolescents.Results: The themes identified were causes of stress, education & marriage, safe pregnancy, prevalent diseases, exercise and leisure, health seeking behaviour and domestic violence. In-depth interviews with girls having significant social and psychological risk factors revealed a sense of loss of freedom, decision making power and resignation to their fate. Key informants revealed the neglect of adolescents in health programmes.Conclusions: Adolescent girls have poor knowledge about important health issues. Interventions that focus both on the continuation of the girls’ education and creating options for generating income are necessary along with non-judgmental counseling services and adolescent friendly health care facilities.

Increasing percentage of ‘Early Menarche’ in Indian adolescent girls and it’s prevention

Increasing percentage of ‘Early Menarche’ in Indian adolescent girls and it’s prevention

Improving menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls in India

The world's first feature film on period poverty was made in India. Padman (2018), starring Bollywood star Akshay Kumar, is based on the true story of Arunachalam Muruganantham, who invented a low-cost machine to make sanitary pads, after seeing his wife's use of a dirty piece of cloth during her periods. It was a brave attempt to tackle a taboo subject and marked the changing conversation around menstrual hygiene management in a country with more than a billion people.

Freedom of Movement and Adolescent Sexual Violence in India.

This study assesses associations between freedom of movement and sexual violence, both in marriage and outside of marriage, among a representative sample of adolescents in India. We analyzed data from girls aged 15 to 19 years (n = 9,593) taken from India's nationally representative National Family Health Survey 2015-2016. We defined freedom of movement using three items on whether girls could go unaccompanied to specified locations; we summated responses and categorized them as restricted, or unrestricted. We used multivariable regression to assess associations between restricted movement and nonmarital violence, and with marital sexual violence among ever-married girls. Results show that only 2% of girls reported nonmarital sexual violence, among married and unmarried girls; 6% of married girls reported marital sexual violence. Most girls (78%) reported some restriction in movement. Restricted movement was negatively associated with nonmarital sexual violence (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.31, 0.87], p = .01) but positively associated with marital sexual violence (AOR = 3.87, 95% CI = [1.82, 8.25], p < .001). Further analyses highlight that the observed association with nonmarital sexual violence was specific to urban and not rural girls. These findings reveal that approximately one in 30 adolescent girls in India has been a victim of sexual violence. Restricted movement is associated with lower risk for nonmarital sexual violence for urban adolescent girls, possibly due to lower exposure opportunity. Married girls with restricted movement have higher odds of marital sexual violence, possibly because these are both forms of control used by abusive husbands. Freedom of movement is a human right that should not place girls at greater risk for nonmarital violence or be used as a means of control by abusive spouses. Social change is needed to secure girls' safety in India.

SAT-004 Prevalence of Abnormalities of Glucose Metabolism in Teenage Indian Girls with PCOS

Background:Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the common endocrine disorders affecting young women and has been associated with an increased risk of impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, there are very few studies on glucose abnormalities in Indian adolescent girls with PCOS. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of abnormal glucose metabolism in this patient population. Method: Study group comprised of 106 young females aged 13–18 years. None of them were on metformin at the time of initial visit. Clinical examination along with Anthropometric evaluation was done and along with routine hormonal assessment they underwent a standard 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria were used for diagnosis of diabetes (2 hr value>200mg/dl), Impaired glucose tolerance (2 hour value > 140 -199 mg/dl) and Impaired fasting glucose (blood glucose level of 100–125 mg/dl) Results:Out of 106 girls with PCOS diagnosis;1 girl met criteria for diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (0.9%).15 had impaired glucose tolerance (14.1%). In addition, 2 girls with impaired glucose tolerance were also noted to have impaired fasting glucose (1.9%).Abnormalities of glucose metabolism had significant correlation with BMI(p-0.02),Waist circumference (p-0.01) and testosterone levels (p-0.02). Conclusions:In our series of adolescent PCOS subjects, we report the prevalence of abnormal glucose metabolism to be 14.1% which is quite significant. Based on our results, we recommend that all adolescent girls with a diagnosis of PCOS should undergo formal oral glucose tolerance testing. Further studies are necessary in this field, so as to make guidelines regarding the timing and frequency of this testing, as well as its utility in the clinical management of these girls.

Impact of Body Mass Index and Age on Mental Health of Adolescents Girls

Adolescent girls in India may face poor nutritional status due to low access to healthy food and high mental health symptoms attributed to high stress. Total 72% of infants and 52% of married women have anaemia. Researches indicated that malnutrition during pregnancy causes the child to have increased risk of physical retardation and reduce cognitive abilities. The objective of the present study was to investigate the impact of body mass index and age on mental health of adolescent girls. 1000 adolescent girls were selected through stratified random sampling technique from different government school of Raipur, India. Mental health was measured by Mental Health Battery. Anthropometric measurement and age was collected by the standard procedure. Multivariate analysis of variance and post Hoch test were employed to analyze the data. Results revealed that adolescent girls significantly differ in emotional stability, overall adjustment, autonomy, security-insecurity, intelligence and over all mental health with increasing age. Post Hoch test showed that adolescent girls with low body mass index differ significantly on overall adjustment and self concept dimension of mental health in comparison to adolescent girls with normal BMI. It is concluded from the study that adolescent girls of early years (12-14) must be given environment to develop Emotional Stability, Autonomy, Security-Insecurity and Intelligence. Proper nutrition is needed to improve self concept and over all adjustment. Findings of the study draws attention to create awareness related to mental health and nutrition.

Current status of human papillomavirus vaccination in India's cervical cancer prevention efforts.

Efforts are being made to scale up human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for adolescent girls in India. Bivalent and quadrivalent HPV vaccines were licensed in the country in 2008, and a nonavalent vaccine was licensed in 2018. Demonstration projects initiated in Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat in 2009 introduced HPV vaccination in public health services in India. Following a few deaths in these projects, although subsequently deemed unrelated to vaccination, HPV vaccination in research projects was suspended. This suspension by default resulted in some participants in a trial evaluating two versus three doses receiving only one dose. Since 2016, the successful introduction of HPV vaccination in immunisation programmes in Punjab and Sikkim (with high coverage and safety), government-sponsored opportunistic vaccination in Delhi, prospects of a single dose providing protection, and future availability of an affordable Indian vaccine shows promise for future widespread implementation and evaluation of HPV vaccination in India.

Family violence as a determinant of suicidality and depression among adolescents in India

# Background Suicide/self-harm is a leading cause of death for adolescent girls and boys globally, and family violence may increase the risk for adolescent suicidality, self-harm and depression. This study assessed whether family violence was associated with suicidality and depressive symptoms among adolescents in India. This study is the first to examine the role of family violence in suicidality and depression among Indian adolescents. # Methods We analyzed data from 20,594 adolescents (10-19 years) collected as part of a cross-sectional study in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, India (2015-2016). Family violence variables included child abuse, witnessing parental marital violence, and personal experiences of marital violence. Suicidal ideation, self-harm and depression (measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)) served as outcomes of interest. Multivariate models assessed associations of family violence with outcomes, adjusting for sociodemographic determinants. Analyses were stratified by adolescent gender, age (10-14 and 15-19 year olds) and marital status (for girls 15-19 years). # Results Married adolescent girls in India were at highest risk, with 8.2% reporting suicidal ideation and 4.9% reporting self-harm behaviors. Unmarried older adolescent girls were more likely to consider suicide compared to same-age boys (4.4% vs 2.4% respectively) while older boys (4.2% vs 2.9% for older girls) and younger adolescents (boys:5.3%, girls: 6.1%) were more likely to engage in self-harm behaviors. Depressive symptoms were rare except among older married (8%) and unmarried (5%) girls. For unmarried girls, child abuse was associated with suicidality (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=2.08, 95% confidence interval CI=1.4-3.07) and self-harm behaviors (AOR=2.8, 95% CI=1.83-4.26) and witnessing parental marital violence was associated with moderate-severe depressive symptoms (AOR=1.81, 95% CI=1.30-2.50). For married girls aged 15-19 years, personal experiences of marital violence were associated with suicidality (AOR=3.73, 95% CI=2.0-6.96) and moderate-severe depressive symptoms (AOR=2.93, 95% CI=1.83-4.68). Among unmarried boys 13-19 years, witnessing parental marital violence was associated with suicidality (AOR=3.18, 95% CI=1.79-5.67). # Conclusions Adolescent health programs in India need to consider interventions for preventing adolescent suicidality, self-harm and depression that include improving parent-child relationships, reducing early marriage and preventing domestic violence.

Secular changes in child marriage and secondary school completion among rural adolescent girls in India

Background Child marriage (<18 years) and school drop-out disproportionately affect girls living in impoverished households in rural areas, with long-term economic and health consequences. Improving retention in education, and delaying age at marriage and first pregnancy have received substantial attention at the national and global level, in line with the Millennium Development Goals and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (2015-2030). Methods We examined changes over time in economic, education and child marriage indicators among adolescents from rural households in (i) Northern Karnataka (the most deprived region of Karnataka), (ii) Karnataka state, and (iii) all India, using individualized data from four pre-existing, nationally-representative datasets (District Level Household and Facility Surveys (DLHS 2-4) (2002/4–2012/3) and the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) (2015-16)). Results At the national and state level, we found large improvements in secondary educational attainment among girls and boys living in rural settings (proportion of adolescents completing age-appropriate secondary school education (all India): girls 12.4% 2002/3 vs. 31.6% 2015/6; boys 18.9% 2002/4 vs. 36.8% 2015/6). We also observed large reductions in child marriage and early child-bearing rates (proportion of married women aged 18-24 years married <18 years: 62.4% 2002/4 vs. 23.8% 2015/6; proportion of married girls aged <19 years who are pregnant or have children: 62.4% 2002/4 vs. 21.9% 2015/6). In addition, we found evidence of “clustered deprivations”, whereby girls in rural areas from the poorest families and lowest castes continue to experience multiple forms of disadvantage, with child marriage significantly associated with scheduled caste / scheduled tribe (SC/ST) caste (odds ratio (OR)=1.25, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.18-1.32), poorest quintile (OR=2.38, 95% CI=2.21-2.55) and illiteracy (OR=2.09, 95% CI=1.95-2.23); and not completing secondary education significantly associated with SC/ST caste (OR=1.52, 95% CI=1.45-1.59), poorest quintile (OR=4.17, 95% CI=3.90-4.46), and child marriage (OR=2.05, 95% CI=1.85-2.26). Conclusions The results show substantial improvements in economic, educational and child marriage indicators at the state and national level over the past 14 years. The government has implemented multiple programmes and policies to address child marriage and school drop-out, and these trends suggest such efforts may be having a positive impact. If India is to achieve the SDGs, designing targeted interventions to reach those who continue to be left furthest behind is going to be key.

Family violence as a determinant of suicidality and depression among adolescents in India

# Background Suicide/self-harm is a leading cause of death for adolescent girls and boys globally, and family violence may increase the risk for adolescent suicidality, self-harm and depression. This study assessed whether family violence was associated with suicidality and depressive symptoms among adolescents in India. This study is the first to examine the role of family violence in suicidality and depression among Indian adolescents. # Methods We analyzed data from 20,594 adolescents (10-19 years) collected as part of a cross-sectional study in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, India (2015-2016). Family violence variables included child abuse, witnessing parental marital violence, and personal experiences of marital violence. Suicidal ideation, self-harm and depression (measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)) served as outcomes of interest. Multivariate models assessed associations of family violence with outcomes, adjusting for sociodemographic determinants. Analyses were stratified by adolescent gender, age (10-14 and 15-19 year olds) and marital status (for girls 15-19 years). # Results Married adolescent girls in India were at highest risk, with 8.2% reporting suicidal ideation and 4.9% reporting self-harm behaviors. Unmarried older adolescent girls were more likely to consider suicide compared to same-age boys (4.4% vs 2.4% respectively) while older boys (4.2% vs 2.9% for older girls) and younger adolescents (boys:5.3%, girls: 6.1%) were more likely to engage in self-harm behaviors. Depressive symptoms were rare except among older married (8%) and unmarried (5%) girls. For unmarried girls, child abuse was associated with suicidality (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=2.08, 95% confidence interval CI=1.4-3.07) and self-harm behaviors (AOR=2.8, 95% CI=1.83-4.26) and witnessing parental marital violence was associated with moderate-severe depressive symptoms (AOR=1.81, 95% CI=1.30-2.50). For married girls aged 15-19 years, personal experiences of marital violence were associated with suicidality (AOR=3.73, 95% CI=2.0-6.96) and moderate-severe depressive symptoms (AOR=2.93, 95% CI=1.83-4.68). Among unmarried boys 13-19 years, witnessing parental marital violence was associated with suicidality (AOR=3.18, 95% CI=1.79-5.67). # Conclusions Adolescent health programs in India need to consider interventions for preventing adolescent suicidality, self-harm and depression that include improving parent-child relationships, reducing early marriage and preventing domestic violence.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) related to Pandu Roga (Iron Deficiency Anaemia) among Adolescent Girls attending Ayurveda Tertiary Care Hospital and Nearby Schools - A Survey

Introduction: According to Ayurveda, depletion of Rasa and Rakta Dhatu results in yellowish-white discoloration of body known as Pandu Roga. Its features resemble with IDA (Iron Deficiency Anaemia). It is very common among female adolescents. UNICEF observed that more than half of population of adolescent girls in India are anemic. Lack of knowledge is one of the most significant reason for nutritional problems like anaemia. Aim: To evaluate the level of knowledge, attitude and practices regarding Pandu Roga (Iron Deficiency Anaemia) among female adolescents. Material and Methods: In this study 200 adolescent girls aged between 10 to 16 years visiting Kaumarabhritya OPD, A.I.I.A hospital and nearby government schools were assessed on the basis of a ‘Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) Questionnaire’ regarding Pandu Roga (IDA). Result: It was found that most of the screened adolescents had poor knowledge of Pandu Roga (IDA), its causes, prevention and management. Discussion: Pandu Roga (IDA) is a dangerous health problem globally, if not attended in time may result into grave outcomes, hence emphasis should be made on its prevention in addition to the cure. Conclusion: There is a need to focus on various health education programs for prevention of nutritional problems like IDA.

Secular changes in child marriage and secondary school completion among rural adolescent girls in India

Secular changes in child marriage and secondary school completion among rural adolescent girls in India

A study on awareness of cervical cancer and human papilloma virus vaccine among the women’s degree college students in Nandyal

Background: In India cervical cancer is the second most common cause of cancer mortality in women after carcinoma breast. Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the principal causative agent for cervical cancer. FDA approved 2 vaccines for primary prevention, and is available in India, but is not part of National Immunization Programme. Due to societal, religious and ethical issues associated with the vaccination of adolescent girls in India together with lack of awareness about HPV and HPV vaccines, no successful HPV immunization program has been employed in India. To study the awareness of Degree college students on cervical cancer and HPV vaccine.Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted at SPY REDDY Women’s Degree College, Nandyal from 16th December 2018 to 15th February 2019. The participants were 327 Degree students of first to final year. Students who were not present during the study were excluded from the study. The data was collected using a semi structured questionnaire. The data was analysed by using spss version 24 and the results expressed as proportions.Results: The mean age of participants was 19.53±1.26 years. 89% of the students were unmarried and 11% were married. 46.4% of the students were aware of cervical cancer. Poor genital hygiene (11.2%), smoking and alcohol (5.8%), multiple sex partners (4.3%), sex at an early age (3.4%), long term OCP usage (2.5%) were considered as risk factors for cervical cancer by the students. 18.4% of the students had knowledge about HPV virus. Among the students who knew about cervical cancer, 22.3% of the students responded as vaginal bleeding after menopause is a symptom of cervical cancer, 8.1% responded as bleeding during or after sex, 3.4% as pain during sex, 1.6% as severe low backache. Only 1% knows about Pap smear. Only 12% know about the vaccine. Only 4% correctly knew the vaccine eligibility. None of the students were HPV vaccinated.Conclusions: The level of awareness of students about cervical cancer and HPV vaccine is far below for effective vaccination and prevention of carcinoma cervix. More effective awareness programmes are needed to screen early for cervical cancer and vaccinate &amp; prevent the high mortality from carcinoma cervix.

Effect of menstruation on girls and their schooling, and facilitators of menstrual hygiene management in schools: surveys in government schools in three states in India, 2015.

BackgroundLack of menstrual knowledge, poor access to sanitary products and a non-facilitating school environment can make it difficult for girls to attend school. In India, interventions have been developed to reduce the burden of menstruation for school girls by government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). We sought to identify challenges related to menstruation, and facilitators of menstrual management in schools in three states in India.MethodsSurveys were conducted among menstruating school girls in class 8-10 (above 12 years of age) of 43 government schools selected through stratified random sampling in three Indian states (Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu) in 2015. For comparison, ten model schools supported by NGOs or UNICEF with a focussed menstrual hygiene education program were selected purposely in the same states to represent the better-case scenario. We examined awareness about menarche, items used for menstruation, and facilitators on girls’ experience of menstruation in regular schools and compared with model schools. Factors associated with school absence during menstruation were explored using multivariate analysis.FindingsMore girls (mean age 14.1 years) were informed about menstruation before menarche in model schools (56%, n = 492) than in regular schools (36%, n = 2072, P < 0.001). Girls reported menstruation affected school attendance (6% vs 11% in model vs regular schools respectively, P = 0.003) and concentration (40% vs 45%, P = 0.1) and was associated with pain (31% vs 38%, P = 0.004) and fear of stain or smell (11% vs 16%, P = 0.002). About 45% of girls reported using disposable pads in both model and regular schools, but only 55% and 29% of pad-users reported good disposal facilities, respectively (P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, reported absenteeism during menstruation was significantly lower in Tamil Nadu (adjusted prevalence ratio (APR) 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.24, 0.14-0.40) and Maharashtra (APR 0.56, CI = 0.40-0.77) compared to Chhattisgarh, and halved in model compared to regular schools (APR 0.50, CI = 0.34-0.73). Pain medication in school (APR 0.71, CI = 0.51-0.97) and use of disposable pads (APR 0.57, CI = 0.42-0.77) were associated with lower absenteeism and inadequate sanitary facilities with higher absenteeism during menstruation.ConclusionsMenstrual hygiene education, accessible sanitary products, pain relief, and adequate sanitary facilities at school would improve the schooling-experience of adolescent girls in India.

Mid-upper arm circumference cut-offs for screening thinness and severe thinness in Indian adolescent girls aged 10-19 years in field settings.

(i) To assess diagnostic accuracy of mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) for screening thinness and severe thinness in Indian adolescent girls aged 10-14 and 15-19 years compared with BMI-for-age Z-score (BAZ) &lt;-2 and &lt;-3 as the gold standard and (ii) to identify appropriate MUAC cut-offs for screening thinness and severe thinness in Indian girls aged 10-14 and 15-19 years. Cross-sectional, conducted October 2016-April 2017. Four tribal blocks of two eastern India states, Chhattisgarh and Odisha. Girls (n 4628) aged 10-19 years. Measurements included height, weight and MUAC to calculate BAZ. Standard diagnostic accuracy tests, receiver-operating characteristic curves and Youden index helped arrive at MUAC cut-offs at BAZ &lt; -2 and &lt;-3, as gold standard. Mean MUAC and BMI correlation was positive (0·78, P = 0·001 and r 2 = 0·61). Among 10-14 years, MUAC cut-off corresponding to BAZ &lt; -2 and BAZ &lt; -3 was ≤19·4 and ≤18·9 cm. Among 15-19 years, corresponding values were ≤21·6 and ≤20·7 cm. For both BAZ &lt; -2 and BAZ &lt; -3, specificity was higher in 15-19 v. 10-14 years. State-wise variations existed. MUAC cut-offs ranged from 17·7 cm (10 years) to 22·5 cm (19 years) for BAZ &lt; -2, and from 17·0 cm (10 years) to 21·5 cm (19 years) for BAZ &lt; -3. Single-age area under the curve range was 0·82-0·97. Study provides a case for use of year-wise and sex-wise context-specific MUAC-cut-offs for screening thinness/severe thinness in adolescents, rather than one MUAC cut-off across 10-19 years, depending on purpose and logistic constraints.

Community Perceptions of Alcohol Exposed Pregnancy Prevention Program for American Indian and Alaska Native Teens.

A community needs assessment during a tribally-led Changing High-Risk Alcohol Use and Increasing Contraception Effectiveness Study (CHOICES) intervention highlighted the need to reduce the risk for alcohol exposed pregnancy (AEP) among American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) adolescent girls. The CHOICES for American Indian Teens (CHAT) Program aims to reduce the risk of AEP among AIAN teens in one Northern Plains tribal community. The CHAT team adopted an iterative process to modify the tribally-led CHOICES curriculum for AIAN teens. This paper describes the iterative process as well as the community perception towards AEP prevention among AIAN teens. The CHAT team conducted several levels of formative and qualitative research, including one-on-one interviews (n = 15) with community members, AIAN elders and school counsellors; and three focus groups with AIAN adolescent girls (n = 15). A qualitative data analysis identified several recommendations that centered on making the information regarding alcohol and birth control appealing to teens; ensuring the confidentiality of the participants; making the program culturally relevant; and including boys in the program. This study outlines various components prioritized by community members in creating a culturally-relevant and age-appropriate AEP prevention program and provides community perceptions of AEP prevention for the teens in this community

Analysis of Knowledge of Menstruation, Hygiene Practices, and Perceptions in Adolescent Girls in India

Introduction: Unsafe water, poor sanitation and inadequate hygiene affects many communities around the world. Without access to clean water, proper waste management, or knowledge of basic hygiene practices, the risk for disease is greatly increased. The menstrual cycle can be hard to manage without access to clean products. Additionally, poor knowledge can perpetuate unhygienic practices. Girls are often not taught about menstruation before it occurs leaving them with feelings of fear, disgust, and uncertainty.&#x0D; Methods: This paper analyzes data from adolescent girls in both rural and urban communities in India concerning their knowledge, perceptions, and hygiene practices regarding menstruation. Results from pre and posttests indicate change in knowledge following an educational intervention.&#x0D; Results: The knowledge and practices of adolescent Indian girls regarding menstrual hygiene were greatly lacking. In fact, 53.8% of girls did not know anything about menstruation prior to their first period. Overall, knowledge and practices improved significantly after the educational intervention.&#x0D; Discussion and Conclusion: Education of girls on menstrual hygiene management is effective. The results of this study are generally consistent with other literature. Further educational and environmental interventions as well as research are needed.

Association between Weight Loss in Obese Indian Adolescent Girls with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Decline in Anti-Müllerian Hormone Concentrations

Association between Weight Loss in Obese Indian Adolescent Girls with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Decline in Anti-Müllerian Hormone Concentrations

Substance use among treatment seeking Indian adolescent girls: Are they unique?

Substance use among adolescents is on the rise across the globe along with a diminution of gender gap observed earlier posing a huge public health burden. Unfortunately, there is a paucity of literature on adolescent substance use. The literature is even sparse about substance use among adolescent girls. The current study aims to provide a glimpse of the profile and pattern of substance use among Indian adolescent girls seeking treatment for substance use problems in a specialty addiction treatment centre in India. This study is retrospective in design. Information regarding socio-demographics and substance use were extracted from the medical records of adolescent girls (≤ 19 years) who sought treatment for substance use problems during 2004-2018, at the adolescent clinic of a tertiary addiction treatment centre located in north India was retrieved carried out. The data was statistically analysed using SPSS. A total of 28 girls sought treatment during this period. The mean age of the girls was 15.89 ± 2.72 years. Most of the girls were students (6/28) or had never started working (12/28). Majority of them were coming from an urban background (89.3%) and were educated up to 10th class (85.5%). A total of 17 (60.7%) girls sought treatment for opioids use of which 11 were using illicit opioids like heroin and five (29.9%) of them reported taking opioids by injecting route primarily. History of past abstinence attempts, and treatment attempt were present in very few of them (10.7% and 14.3%). Our study suggests a distinct substance use profile of adolescent girls. There is a need for further systematic studies to assess their clinical needs.