Good Menstrual Hygiene Practice Research Articles

Association between Menstrual Hygiene Management and School Performance among the School-Going Girls in Rural Bangladesh

Background: This study investigated the relationship between menstrual hygiene practices and academic performance among rural Bangladeshi adolescent girls. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out among the 499 secondary-school-going adolescent girls in grades 7–10 (aged 11–17 years, mean ± SD = 14.04 ± 1.11 years) attending either public or private institutions in rural Bangladesh. Menstruation hygiene management (MHM) was defined based on three indicators such as (i) change materials (pads/cloths) less than every 6 h, (ii) hand washing practice with soap before and after changing pads/cloths, or not washing the external genitalia at least once per day, and (iii) using a sanitary pad or drying of re-usable cloths under direct sunlight. The MHM was categorized as poor (if not practicing or practicing only one issue), average (if practicing only two issues), or good (if practicing all of the issues). School performance was determined by the total marks obtained in their last final examination (<60% marks defined as low performance and ≥60% marks defined as good performance). Binary logistics regression models were developed at the <0.05 significance level. Results: The mean age of the participants was 12 years, where 83% reported a regular menstrual cycle pattern. Overall, prevalence of practicing poor, average, and good MHM were found to be 28.46%, 55.71%, and 15.83%, respectively. About 52% of girls reported using sanitary napkins (manufactured disposable pads), 43.4% reported using pieces of reusable cloths per occasion (multiple uses), and almost all (96.29%) reported using detergents to clean multiple-use cloths. We found 2.9 times (AOR: 2.90, 95% CI: 1.61–5.24) and 5.7 times (AOR: 5.65, 95% CI: 2.72–11.71) higher odds to achieve good academic performance among those who practiced ‘average’ and ‘good’ MHM after adjusting age, education, paternal education, occupation, maternal education, household wealth status, and respondent’s knowledge of menstruation. Conclusions: Results suggested that girls’ school academic performance can be improved by practicing good menstrual hygiene practices. School-based menstrual hygiene management education could be useful.

Menstrual hygiene practices among high school girls in urban areas in Northeastern Ethiopia: A neglected issue in water, sanitation, and hygiene research.

Poor menstrual hygiene practices influence school girls' dignity, well-being and health, school-absenteeism, academic performance, and school dropout in developing countries. Despite this, menstrual hygienic practices are not well understood and have not received proper attention by school WASH programs. Therefore, this study examined the extent of good menstrual hygiene practices and associated factors among high school girls in Dessie City, Amhara Region, northeastern Ethiopia. A school-based cross-sectional study was employed to examine 546 randomly selected high school students in Dessie City, northeastern Ethiopia. Pretested interviewer-administered questionnaires and a school observational checklist were used for data collection. EpiData Version 4.6 and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Version 25.0 were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. Bivariate and multivariable logistics regression analyses were employed to identify factors associated with good menstrual hygiene practices. During bivariable analysis, variables with P-values less than 0.25 were retained for multivariable analysis. In the multivariable analysis, variables with a P-value less than 0.05 were declared to be significantly associated with good menstrual hygiene practices. Of the respondents, 53.9% (95% CI [49.6, 58.2]) reported good menstrual hygiene practices. The following factors were found to be significantly associated with good menstrual hygiene practices: age range 16-19 years (AOR = 1.93, 95% CI: [1.22-3.06]); school grade level 10 (AOR = 1.90, 95% CI: [1.18-3.07]); maternal education (primary) (AOR = 3.72, 95% CI: [1.81-7.63]), maternal education (secondary) (AOR = 8.54, 95% CI: [4.18-17.44]), maternal education (college) (AOR = 6.78, 95% CI: [3.28-14.02]) respectively]; having regular menses [AOR = 1.85, 95% CI: (1.03-3.32); good knowledge regarding menstruation (AOR = 2.02, 95% CI: [1.32-3.09]); discussing menstrual hygiene with friends (AOR = 1.79, 95% CI: [1.12-2.86]), and obtaining money for pads from the family (AOR = 2.08, 95% CI: [1.15-3.78]). We found that more than half of high school girls had good menstrual hygiene practices. Factors significantly associated with good menstrual hygiene practices include high school girls age 16-18 years, girls grade level 10, maternal education being completed primary, secondary and college level, having regular menses, good knowledge regarding menstruation, discussing menstrual hygiene with friends and obtaining money for pads from the family. Therefore, educating of high school student mothers about MHP should be a priority intervention area to eliminate the problem of menstrual hygiene among daughters. Furthermore, in order to improve the MHP among high school girls, further attention is needed to improving knowledge regarding menstruation among high school girls, encouraging high school girls' families to support their daughters by buying sanitary pads and promoting discussions among friends about menstrual hygiene. Schools need to focus on making the school environment conducive to managing menstrual hygiene by increasing awareness of safe MHP and providing adequate water/sanitation facilities.

Menstrual Hygiene’s and Early Pregnancy Among Adolescents, and Associated Factors in 2021, Commune of Lokossa, Benin

A poor management of menstrual hygiene and the occurrence of teenage pregnancies constitute a real public health problem in Benin. The aim of the research was to analyse the level of knowledge and practices of menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls and to determine the prevalence of early pregnancies as well as associated factors. A cross-sectional survey was conducted. A total of 230 adolescent girls was selected by three-stage cluster sampling. Adolescents aged 10 to 19 years old who had their menstruation and living in Lokossa commune were included in the study. The mean age (SD) of menarche was 14.17±1.18 years. The Kotafon was the majority ethnic group and concerned 81% of the adolescent surveyed girls. The prevalence of early pregnancy was 14.8%. Girls' level of good knowledge of menstruation was evaluated at 47.8%, the level of good practices was 17.8%. Early pregnancy is more observed among adolescent girls living in couple, those in school and those living outside the matrimonial home (p<0.0001). At the multivariate analysis, the non-indigenous girls had a three times good menstrual hygiene practices than indigenous girls (Kotafon ethnic group) with OR=7.13 [CI95% 2.20-23.13], p=0.001 and living outside the family (parents, guardians) increased the level of good menstrual hygiene practices more than seven times, OR=7.22 [CI95% 2.45-21.27], p<0.001. The absence of religious beliefs among adolescents increased good menstrual hygiene practices by 10 times compared to the presence of religious beliefs OR=10.52 [CI95% 2.83-38.46], p<0.001. Regarding access to drinking water, compared to 'sometimes' and 'never' access, 'always' access induced a higher proportion of good menstrual hygiene practices respectively by 6.25 times (OR=6.25 [CI95% 1.96-20.00]), p<0.001 and 9.09 times (OR=9.09 [CI95% 2.78-33.33], p<0.001). In addition, good menstrual hygiene knowledge increased good menstrual hygiene practices by 4.55 times OR=4.55 [CI95% 1.61-12.50], p=0.006. Strong sensitization program on menstrual hygiene practices and/or continuous access to drinking water can induce best practices on menstrual hygiene and decrease early pregnancy.

Efficacy of an Information Booklet on Menstrual Knowledge and Attitude Among Adolescent Boys and Girls in a Rural Cbse School

Introduction: The onset of menstruation coincides with the beginning of the puberty stage in females, as menstruation is a physiological process. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the teenage phase occurs between the ages of 10 and 19. The use of sanitary pads, their appropriate disposal, and subsequently the appropriate washing of the vaginal area, followed by hand washing, are all components of good menstrual hygiene practices. Aims: The purpose of this study is to evaluate how well an information booklet can improve adolescents’ preexisting knowledge of and attitude toward menstruation in both male and female students. Methods: A descriptive research strategy was utilised for this study as the methodology for the investigation. The research was carried out at the KCT SCHOOL in Karad. Through the utilization of the Convenient Sampling Method The study included a sample size of one hundred. A questionnaire with a defined format served as the primary research instrument. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the process of data analysis. Result: The findings of the current research indicate that out of a total of 100 adolescents (50 boys and 50 girls), 29 of them had average knowledge and 68 of them had inadequate knowledge before the exam. Following the presentation of the module on menstruation, the vast majority of them achieved a score of 92 or higher on the post-test. The knowledge level of the adolescent males and girls was significantly different before and after the exam, and this difference was statistically significant. The current research demonstrates that there is a statistically significant association between the source of information and the amount of knowledge demonstrated on the pre-testing phase. Conclusion: The findings of the study indicate that participants’ understanding of menstruation is inadequate, as the conclusion of the study states. They need a comprehensive orientation procedure that will help them expand their knowledge while also assisting them in making informed decisions.

Practice of Menstrual Hygiene and Associated Factors among Adolescent School Girls in Dang District, Nepal.

Background Menstrual hygiene management has not been sufficiently addressed in developing countries. In many Nepalese societies, menstrual practices are still surrounded by sociocultural restrictions and taboos resulting in adverse health outcomes for adolescent girls. The purpose of this study was to determine menstrual hygiene practice and sociodemographic as well as socioeconomic factors associated with good menstrual hygiene practice amongst adolescent school girls in Dang district, Nepal. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Dang district, Nepal, among 406 adolescent girls studying in grades 8, 9, and 10 between ages of 10 and 19 years from April to October 2019. Randomly 5 units were selected from a total of 10 local units. After 5 units had been decided, 10 schools consisting of 5 government and 5 private schools were selected through a disproportionate stratified random sampling technique. A further 406 students were then selected randomly from the 10 selected schools. Bivariate analysis was used primarily to assess the association between dependent and independent variables and final measure of association was odds ratio. Variables which were associated with bivariate analysis were entered into a multivariable logistic regression model to identify associated factors of menstrual hygiene practice. Results The mean age and family size were 15.13 ± 1.19 and 5.58 ± 1.81, respectively. A total of 272 (67.0%) adolescents have good menstrual hygiene practice. Mothers and fathers with literature educational background (adjusted odds ratio = 0.52, confidence interval: 0.30–0.89 and AOR = 2.55, CI: 1.26–5.15, respectively), family size greater than or equal to 5 (AOR = 0.61, CI: 0.37–0.98), and living with relatives (AOR = 0.45, CI: 0.24–0.85) were significantly associated with good menstrual hygiene practice. Conclusions Educational status of mother and father, family size, and living status were found to be independent associated factors of menstrual hygiene practice. In this context, this study demonstrates that administrators and policy makers should provide specific education regarding menstrual hygiene to both parents. Similarly local government needs to subsidize hygiene towels for school adolescents.

Menstrual Hygiene Practices Among Adolescent Girls in Junior High Schools in Selected Communities of Ashanti Region, Ghana

INTRODUCTION: Menstruation is a phenomenon unique to the females and menstrual hygiene is still a problem for adolescent girls especially in low and middle income countries particularly when attending school. This issue is insufficiently acknowledged and has not received adequate attention in the reproductive health sectors in developing countries including Ghana and its relationship with the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). &#x0D; &#x0D; OBJECTIVES: This study examined the knowledge and practices of menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls, the cultural beliefs that influence menstrual hygiene practices, and the problems adolescent girls face in practicing menstrual hygiene.&#x0D; &#x0D; METHODOLOGY: A quantitative research method using descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed in the study. Using a multi-staged sampling technique, a sample size of 151 adolescents in Juniors High schools who had reached menarche was selected from four (4) schools located in Asamang, Sekyere south District of Ashanti region of Ghana. Data was collected through a researchers&amp;rsquo; constructed and validated questionnaire titled &amp;ldquo;Adolescents knowledge and practice of menstrual hygiene questionnaire (AKPMHQ)&amp;rdquo;. Data was analysed using simple frequencies and percentages.&#x0D; &#x0D; RESULTS: The study revealed that 68(45%) of the girls were in the Junior High School three (JHS3) and 88(58.5%) of them ranged between 14-15 years. Most of them (74.2%) had pre-menarche education given by their family members. Most of the parents 94(62.3%) had secondary education. Majority of the girls practiced good menstrual hygiene. Their culture does not exert much influence on their knowledge and practices of menstrual hygiene. However, there were some myths which are not scientifically based. Most of the girls experience some challenges during menstruation such as lower abdominal pain 77(51.0%) and unavailability of facility in school to change during menstruation 61(40.4%).&#x0D; &#x0D; CONCLUSION: The adolescent girls are knowledgeable about menstrual hygiene and also have good menstrual hygiene practices. However, there exist few cultural practices in the community that may have negative effect on their knowledge and practice of menstrual hygiene in the midst of some physical and social challenges experienced by the adolescents during menstruation.

Prevalence of Good Menstrual Hygiene Practices among Adolescent Girls in a Rural Area Kancheepuram District

Prevalence of Good Menstrual Hygiene Practices among Adolescent Girls in a Rural Area Kancheepuram District

Still Grappling With Menstrual Hygiene: Explaining Uptake By Socio-Cultural Factors Among School Going Girls in Kenya

Globally, approximately 52% of the female population (26% of the total population) is of reproductive age. Most of these women and girls will menstruate each month for between two to seven days. Menstrual hygiene is an important part of the basic hygiene, sanitation, and reproductive health services to which every woman and girl has a right. Most girls lack adequate information on menarche, puberty, and Menstrual Hygiene Management. This predisposes them to reproductive tract infections. This study sought to establish the socio-cultural factors influencing the adoption of menstrual hygiene practices among adolescent girls in public secondary schools in Malindi Sub County. The study adopted a cross-sectional analytical. Data was collected using both qualitative and quantitative methods. The study established that most of the school-going adolescents in Malindi Subcounty (64%) have good menstrual hygiene practices. The socio-cultural factors influencing menstrual hygiene practices include cultural expectations, provisions, restrictions and cultural significance, religious restrictions and parent’s levels of education (P&gt;0.05). Future studies could investigate the influence of structural factors both in the general environment, the school and the households where these adolescents come from. The study also recommends awareness drives on the importance of menstrual hygiene among adolescents and the development and implementation of policies on menstrual hygiene practices.

Social determinants of menstrual hygiene among school-going girls in a rural area of Southern Haryana, India

Introduction: Several factors associated with menstrual hygiene are modifiable and if such factors are identified and addressed, it can go a long way in promoting good menstrual hygiene practice among adolescent girls. The present study was conducted with an aim to investigate the social determinants for menstrual hygiene-related knowledge and practices among rural school-going girls. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 649 school-going girls (12–19 years) from two government schools. A pretested, predesigned, standardized questionnaire was prepared which included demographic details such as age, sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge regarding menstruation, restrictions practiced, absenteeism during menstruation, the practice of menstrual hygiene. Multiple logistic regression model at a significant level of 0.05 was used. Results: The mean age of menarche in the study population was 12.8 ± 1.73 years. Mother's education and family socioeconomic status showed a trend with poor menstrual hygiene. The study participants belonging to the age group of 12–14 years were nearly 2.3 times more likely to have poor hygiene practices than the study participants belonging to the age group of 18 years or more. Absence of sanitary latrines (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 2.34, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.65–3.31, P = 0.000), lower class in school (adjusted OR: 11.65, 95% CI: 7.19–18.86, P = 0.010), and joint families (adjusted OR: 2.19, 95% CI: 1.42–3.32, P = 0.022) also showed a high positive association with the odds of practicing poor menstrual hygiene. Conclusion: This study reveals that adolescent girls in rural area had ignorance, false perceptions, and unsafe practices regarding menstruation. Thus, the above findings reinforce the need to encourage safe and hygienic practices among the adolescent girls and bring them out of the traditional beliefs, misconceptions, and restrictions regarding menstruation.

Association of various socio demographic factors with knowledge and practice regarding menstrual hygiene among school going adolescent girls of Jaipur city

Background: There is lack of information on the process of menstruation, the physical and psychological changes associated with puberty and proper requirements for managing menstruation. Hence this community based study was carried out with the objective to assess the level of knowledge and practice regarding menstrual hygiene and their association with sociodemographic factors among school going adolescent girls.Methods: A descriptive, cross sectional study was conducted among 996 adolescent girls of senior secondary schools of Jaipur city.Results: It was evident that 80.72% participants were aware about menstruation before their menarche. Majority (68.07%) used sanitary pad as absorbent material. 34.53% changed the pad at least 3 times or more in a day. 29.21% cleaned the genitalia twice or more than 2 times a day. 86.14% participants were restricted to do religious activities. Significant association was found between type of absorbent used socio economic status, mother’s education.Conclusions: There is strong need to improvise and promote good menstrual hygiene knowledge and practices among adolescent girls. Improving mother’s knowledge on menstrual hygiene management can go a long way in improving menstrual hygiene practice.

Menstrual Hygiene Practices among Adolescent Girls in a Rural Area of Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu

Background: Menstruation is the main pubertal change that occurs in adolescent girls and is the process of growth & maturation and prepare them for motherhood It is surrounded by various customs, myths and taboos. For proper menstrual hygiene, requires access to appropriate materials and facilities, without which can lead to poor health consequences. Objectives: To assess menstrual hygiene practices among adolescent girls in a rural area of Kanyakumari District and to find out the factors related to menstrual hygiene practices. Methodology: Community based cross sectional study was conducted during January 2016 – June 2017 among 250 adolescent girls, 10-19 years of age group residing in rural area of Kanyakumari district. Adolescent girls were interviewed by a pretested interview schedule to assess their menstrual hygiene practices. Results: Mean age of the study participants is 14.23 years majority of the study participants are currently school going (94.8%) and all the participants’ mothers are literate. Only 32% of the adolescent girls have good menstrual hygiene practice. Education of mother, religion, socio economic status, head of the family, source of information, presence of toilet with water supply at home and genito urinary symptoms are associated with good menstrual hygiene practices. Conclusion: Only one third of the adolescent girls had good menstrual hygiene practices.

Menstrual Hygiene Practices Among Adolescent Girls of Urban and Rural Schools of Ludhiana, Punjab

Menstruation is still regarded as something unclean or dirty in Indian society, related with misconceptions and cultural restrictions. Lack of knowledge and poor hygienic practices during menstruation can lead to various gynecological problems in the reproductive life of girls. In this community based cross sectional study on 100 adolescent girls (50 from urban and 50 from rural) age 13-18 years of urban and rural schools were randomly selected (lottery method) from two conveniently selected schools of Ludhiana district of Punjab. Data was collected in March 2013. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the socio-demographic data, menstrual profile and Likert’s scale was used to assess the menstrual hygiene practices. The descriptive statistics, unpaired t test, ANOVA test was used for analysis. Menstruation hygiene practice was found to be more in urban adolescent girls as compared to rural. Majority (n=17, 34%) of urban girls had excellent menstrual hygiene practices and 44 (88%) of urban girls were using commercially available sanitary pads as compared to 31 (62%) of rural girls. The majority of urban girls i.e. 31 (62%) and rural girls i.e. 38 (76%) had good menstrual hygiene practices. The mean score of menstrual hygiene practices of urban adolescent girls was higher i.e. 28.24 than the mean score of menstrual hygiene practices of rural adolescent girls (25.18). But the difference was statistically non-significant at p=0.05 level of significance. There was no association between menstrual hygiene practices and selected demographic variables. Efforts should be made to improve the menstrual hygiene practices of rural and urban adolescent girls so that vulnerability to reproductive tract infections be decreased and suffering of millions of women can be mitigated.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice on Menstrual Hygiene Management among School Adolescents.

Menstrual hygiene management remains a taboo in many communities in Nepal. Cultural beliefs about menstruation such as food taboos and untouchability have negative impact on dignity, health and education of adolescent girls. The objective of the study was to assess the current knowledge, attitude and practice of school adolescents on menstrual hygiene management in Doti District in Far-Western Nepal. This cross-sectional study was carried out from October to December 2016 at seven village development committees in Doti district, Nepal. This study was done among 276 students from grade seven and eight of 11 schools. Self-administered structured questionnaire was used to obtain information from school students. Descriptive analysis was done to analyse the knowledge, attitude and practice of school adolescents on menstrual hygiene management. 67.4% respondents had fair knowledge and 26.4% respondents had good knowledge on menstrual hygiene management. However, out of 141 female adolescent respondents, only 56 (40%) were engaged in good menstrual hygiene practices. Around half of the respondents had positive attitude towards menstrual hygiene management related issues. Although knowledge on menstrual hygiene management among school adolescents is fair, still attitude and practice need to improve. Findings indicate the need of behavior change communication campaigns along with frequent reinforcement of school health education programs.

Menstrual Hygiene Practice and Associated Factors among Secondary School Girls in Wegera District, Northwest Ethiopia; a Cross-Sectional Study

Menstrual hygiene is an issue that is insufficiently acknowledged and has not received adequate attention. There is a substantial knowledge gap on menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls. Lack of knowledge and poor personal hygienic practices during menstruation can lead to various gynecological problems. This study aimed to assess menstrual hygine practice and factors associated with it among secondary school girls in Wegera District, Northwest Ethiopia. A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 423 randomly selected secondary school girls from March to April, 2014. The data were collected by using pre-tested self -administered questionnaire. Good menstrual hygiene practice was found to be 29.8%. Menstrual practice among girls who had exposure to advertisement on sanitary napkins (AOR 2.06(1.27, 3.34)) and good knowledge on menstrual hygiene (AOR 2.23(1.06, 4.71)) were the factors associated with good menstrual hygiene practice. This study revealed that the menstrual hygiene practice of secondary school girls was low. Exposure to advertisement regarding sanitary napkins and knowledge on menstrual hygiene were found to influence their practice towards menstrual hygiene. Menstrual hygiene is an issue needs to be addressed at all levels.

Practice of Menstrual Hygiene and Associated Factors among Female High School Students in Adama Town

Background: Good menstrual hygienic practices are essential during menstruation period. Young women especially in developing countries often lack information about good menstrual hygiene practices. The objective of this study was to assess the level of menstrual hygienic practice and the associated factors among female high school students in Adama town. Methods: A cross-sectional, institution based study was conducted from April 11th-25th, 2016. Multistage sampling technique was used to select the participants. Data was cleaned, coded and entered in to Epi-data 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 20:00. Binary and multiple logistic regression analysis were done to determine the association between the menstrual hygienic practice and the predicator variables. A p-value of less than 0.05 was taken as significant association. Result: A total of 398 female students were involved in the study giving a response rate of 94.3%. Of the total respondents about 57% had good level of menstrual hygiene practice. Mothers education status [AOR=0.608; 95% CI=0.374-0.990], source of money for sanitary materials [AOR=2.267; 95% CI=1.076, 4.772], respondents feeling on comfort ability of the school [AOR=0.557; 95% CI=0.366-0.846] were significantly associated with level of knowledge about menstrual hygienic practice. Conclusion: The study showed that more than half of the respondents had good level of menstrual hygiene practice. Mothers’ educational status, source of money for sanitary materials and respondents feeling on comfort ability of the school were found to be predictors of menstrual hygiene practice among the students. Thus, designing health information and communication programs on awareness about menstruation and menstrual hygiene practice is implicated.

Wings to Flyy- But to Where? Menstrual Hygiene, Marketization and Vulnerability Among Subaltern Women in India

In this exploratory study we look at how marketization and marketing of disposable sanitary napkins (DSN) is creating new vulnerabilities among subaltern women of India. A pilot study was done around Auroville near Puducherry in southern India. Our initial findings suggest that there is significant marketization of menstrual hygiene, evident from multiple reports, media coverage, advertisements and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs of leading MNCs and market-making policies of the Indian government. The entire effort is geared to promote DSNs among sections of women who have been using traditional methods like cloth. Good menstrual hygiene practices can lead to improved quality of life for women and young girls. However, the solutions projected through marketization and marketing of DSNs can lead to new problems and vulnerabilities for the subaltern consumer.

A comparative cross sectional study of knowledge and practice of menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls in rural and urban schools of Rural Karnataka

Background: Comprehensive knowledge about good menstrual hygiene practice right from childhood may promote safe practices and may help in mitigating the suffering of women throughout their reproductive age. Among adolescent girls there is shyness and embarrassment regarding discussions about menstruation with friends and family members which can lead to adoption of non-scientific methods during menstruation. Objectives: To assess the knowledge and practices related to menstrual hygiene among rural and urban school going adolescent girls and to provide health education regarding menstrual hygiene. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in August to October, 2015 among 220 school going adolescent girls. A pretested and structured questionnaire was used to collect data after obtaining informed consent and assent. Descriptive statistics like proportions and frequencies was computed. Chi-square test was the test of significance for qualitative data and p value of < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: 220 adolescent girls were recruited in to the study. Majority of the girls were in the age group 15 years (46.8%), belonging to Hindu religion (90.9%). Urban girls attained menarche at earlier age than their counter parts in rural area. 87.3% & 65.4% of the urban and rural girls respectively used sanitary pads during menstruation. Majority of the girls from urban area (84.5%) got score of >9 for practices during menstruation whereas 52.7% of rural girls got an overall score >9. Most common reason for school absenteeism due to menstruation in both urban and rural girls was abdominal pain, second most common reason was fear of leak. Conclusion: Knowledge regarding menstruation was almost similar among the girls studying in both urban and rural schools. However, the practices during menstruation were not optimal in rural girls compared to urban girls. A variety of factors like lack of sanitary latrine and adverse social customs were found to be af

Relationship between Female University Students' Knowledge on Menstruation and Their Menstrual Hygiene Practices: A Study in Tamale, Ghana.

Positive perception about menstruation and good menstrual hygiene practice safeguards the health of postpubescent females by reducing their vulnerability to reproductive and urinary tract infections. Using a questionnaire, a cross-sectional study involving 293 randomly selected female undergraduate students in northern Ghana assessed the relationship between knowledge on menstruation and the practice of safe menstrual hygiene. Data collected was analyzed using GraphPad 5.01. This study found that although majority of respondents (73.4%) were aware of menstruation before menarche, most of them experienced fear and panic when it occurred. Mothers were the first to be informed when menstruation occurred, although teachers first provided them knowledge on menstruation. Respondents' knowledge on menstruation was average (57.3%) but their menstrual hygiene practice was good (80.2%). Age (p = 0.005) and course of study (p = 0.0008) significantly influenced respondents' knowledge on menstruation with older students as well as the medical and midwifery students being most knowledgeable. Muslim rather than Christian female students practiced better menstrual hygiene (p = 0.0001). Average knowledge score on menstruation indicated a deficit of knowledge on the anatomy and physiology of the female reproductive system. Increasing knowledge on menstruation had a positive and significant effect on practice of good menstrual hygiene.

Knowledge Regarding Menstrual Hygiene among Adolescent Girls in selected school, Mangalore with a View to Develop an Information Booklet

adolescent and tomorrow’s mother 1 . Menstruation is a physiological phenomenon which is unique to females that begins in adolescence. It is monthly uterine bleeding for 4-5 days coming regularly every 28 days. Normally females get 13 menses in a year and around 400 menses in her reproductive life. The first menstruation is termed as “menarche”. The age of menarche is between 10- 16 years in India 3 . Though menstruation is a natural and normal physiological process for all healthy adult women as ever, it has been surrounded by secrecy, negativity and myths in much society 4 . It is still clouded by socio-cultural restriction and taboos and associated with various myth and misconception 5 . A study conducted in Ranchi, India reported that 45.5% of the girls face social restrictions, majority of them were restricted in religious practices, wearing new clothes, cooking food, etc 6 . Girl should have good menstrual hygiene practice during this period. Menstrual hygiene refers to the personal hygiene practice during menstruation. A girl needs to practice a high level of personal hygiene during her periods and the personal hygiene starts from the selection of best sanitary products, its proper usage, disposal, body cleanliness, diet, etc. Menstrual hygiene is important because it is a natural process of hygiene related to practice of girls during menstruation as it has an impact in terms of to prevent reproductive tract infections and urinary tract infections 7 . Many studies depicted that there is improper and inadequate care and unhygienic practices during menstruation among adolescent girls. An article in The Times of India revealed that only 12% of menstruating women use sanitary napkins and 88% of women use unsanitized cloth, ashes and husk sand. Incidence of reproductive tract infection is 70% more common among these women 8 . Moreover, hygiene is neglected by girls especially in rural areas, due to lack of availability and inability to afford sanitary napkins 9 . A study conducted in Aurangabad, India reported that 60% of urban girls used market available sanitary napkins whereas; this was limited to 6% of rural girls 10 . There is lack of awareness of menstrual hygiene and care during menstruation which is due to the lack of education related to menstruation and menstrual hygiene. A study conducted in Nagpur reported that only 36.95% of the girls were aware of menstruation before menarche. More than three fourth of girls were not aware about the cause and source of bleeding and majority of them had knowledge about the use of sanitary pads 11 . Good menstrual hygiene practice of girls during menstruation are considerable vital, as it has an impact in terms of increased vulnerability to reproductive tract infections. Ill hygiene practices which sometime result in reproductive tract infection and its complication further can lead to complications in pregnancy and transmitted to the offspring during pregnancy 12