Hygiene-related Practices Research Articles

Assessment of Adolescent Girls' Menstrual Hygiene Knowledge and Practice in Ede South Local Government Secondary Schools, Ede, Osun State

The onset of menstruation denotes a landmark event in the pubertal development of the adolescent girl. Adolescent girls should have adequate knowledge of menstrual hygiene before menarche. Lack of adequate knowledge and good menstrual hygiene practices can have far-reaching consequences for a girl's well-being, dignity, reproductive health, and sexual health. Hygiene-related practices during menstruation are of considerable importance. This study assessed the knowledge and Practice of menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls in Ede South local government secondary schools, Ede, Osun State. This study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional study design. The study population was adolescent girls between the ages of 10 and 19 who have attained menarche, using multi-stage sampling as the sampling technique. A structured questionnaire comprising three sections was used to elicit information from the respondents. The data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. The result showed that the majority (62.6%) of the respondents were between 16 and 18 years old and had attained menarche at 13. Most respondents had heard about menstruation before menarche (85.0%), and mothers (79.1%) were the primary source of information. Most (89.70%) respondents had good knowledge of menstrual hygiene. Also, most (53.0%) respondents had good menstrual hygiene practices. In the test for the hypothesis, there is a significant association between sociodemographic characteristics such as tribe, class, age at menarche, and the Practice of menstrual hygiene. There is also a significant relationship between knowledge and Practice of menstrual hygiene (p = 0.017). This study concluded that the majority of the respondents had good knowledge as well as good practice regarding menstrual hygiene. Keywords: Menstrual Hygiene, Adolescents, Knowledge, Practice

Surveillance of specific pathogens on mobile phones in aerosol and non-aerosol generating dental clinics during the COVID pandemic

Following COVID-19 protocols implemented globally, it is prudent to extend this to mobile phones, regarded as carriers of microbes, as these are used extensively in clinical settings for learning and patient care. Was to determine types of microbes harbored on mobile phones and related hygiene practices whilst using these in aerosol and non-aerosol generating dental settings. This cross-sectional study was conducted in two parts: A laboratory study to determine the prevalence of microbes on mobile phones and a questionnaire survey to determine the related knowledge and behavior of phone users in both aerosol and non-aerosol generating dental clinics. All proper protocols (consent, ethics) were adhered to. A small percentage (27.2%) of swabs of mobile phones yielded a positive bacterial culture, of these 72% were from the AGP dental setting. Gram positive and negative microorganisms were distinguishable, indicating a diverse group of microbes. Students and staff indicated good mobile phone hygiene practices, but there is place for improvement. Their related knowledge of disinfectants and use were acceptable, but not having mobile phone coverings was problematic. Faculty protocols for disinfecting mobile phones and standardized guidelines for its use in aerosol or non-aerosoclinics is recommended.

A cross-sectional study assessing the effectiveness of hygiene related interventions and education delivered in an afterschool club in urban slums of Gurugram

Background: There is insufficient evidence about the effectiveness of hygiene related interventions and education delivered to out of school children, attending non-formal schools in urban slums. Methods: This cross sectional, interventional study was conducted from January 2022 to April 2022 in a non-formal school in an urban slum in Gurugram, Haryana. A validated questionnaire about hygiene related practices was used to record the behavioural practices of these children before and after education about hygienic practices. The children were also provided with soap, detergent, and four sets of clothes to enable them to follow the hygienic practices. The pre and post intervention status of various hygiene variables was compared. A p<0.01 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Of the 97 children included in this interventional study, 54 were boys. All of them were from the lower socioeconomic class, with 93% of the mothers and 98% of the fathers being illiterate. The percentage of unhygienic practices decreased significantly post intervention. All the p values for comparison between the pre and post intervention status of various hygiene variables were highly significant statistically (p=0.001). Maximum improvement was seen in case of brushing teeth, cutting nails, using footwear and bathing (2.86). Similarly, the total mean score for pre intervention was 30.62 which decreased to 10.54, indicating a total improvement of 20.08. Conclusions: Hygiene related interventions including continuing education, and provision of clothes and detergent, can improve hygienic practises in out of school children who attend non-formal schools in slums.

Compliance with face mask use during the COVID-19 pandemic: a community observational study in Singapore.

Widespread mask use is an important intervention for control of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. However, data on the factors affecting mask use are lacking. In this observational study, we evaluated the proportion of and factors influencing face mask use and related hygiene practices. We observed randomly selected members from the public in 367 venues across Singapore, and recorded the proportion of individuals with full compliance with mask use and mask hygiene (hand hygiene before and after touching the mask or face). Logistic regression analyses were used to determine variables associated with mask and hand hygiene compliance. We made 3,821 observations - 2,149 (56.2%) females, 3,569 (93.4%) adults (≥21 years), 212 (5.5%) children (6-20 years) and 40 (1.0%) children (2-5 years). The overall full compliance rate (correct mask use), poor compliance rate (incorrect mask use) and absent mask use were 84.5%, 12.9% and 2.6%, respectively. The factors - male gender, fabric mask usage and crowded indoor venues - were associated with lower mask compliance. Face or mask touching behaviour was observed in 10.7% and 13.7% of individuals observed, respectively. Only one individual performed hand hygiene before and after touching the mask. The rate of mask compliance was high, probably due to legislation mandating mask usage. However, specific factors and crowded indoor venues associated with lower mask compliance were identified. We also noted an issue with the absence of hand hygiene before and after face or mask touching. These issues may benefit from targeted public health messaging.

A cross-sectional study on menstrual hygiene knowledge, practices, and problems among adolescent girls in Southern Rajasthan, India

Background: Menstruation is an exceptional phenomenon that the nature has planned for women. Most adolescent girls enter to their puberty stage without preparing themselves due to the shortage of adequate information. Most women are uncomfortable to discuss regarding “menses” as it is a social taboo and adolescent girls could not have access to gain adequate information. Aims and Objectives: The objectives of the study are as follows: To assess knowledge regarding menstruation in adolescent girls. To give details about menstrual hygiene related practices and find out associated problems. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out from January to February 2018 in Udaipur city of Rajasthan. Total of 440 school going adolescent girls from 9th to 12th standards were included in study. Results: Mean age of menarche in the present study was 13.31 ± 1.03. Mothers found to be the main source of information regarding menstruation. The association between education of mother and sanitary napkin use among adolescent was found to be statistically significant. Only 23.79% adolescents with menstrual-related problems had taken treatment. Conclusions: Knowledge and practices regarding menstruation were compromised in adolescents.

A Study to Assess the Level of Knowledge Regarding Menstrual Cup Among Women of Reproductive Age Group in a View to Develop an Information Pamphlet in a Selected Hospital, Bangalore

Background: Menstruation is a phenomenon unique to the females. The onset of menstruation is one of the most important changes occurring among the girls during the adolescent years. Hygiene-related practices of women during menstruation are of considerable importance, as it has a health impact in terms of increased vulnerability to reproductive tract infections. A method for menstrual hygiene management, alternative to sanitary pads and tampons, is the menstrual cup. The menstrual cup is a bell-shaped device made of high- grade medical silicon, which is inserted into the vagina during menstruation. The device should be boiled once per month and can be used for 5–10 years. It collects more blood than the standard sanitary pads and is environmentally friendly with few known side. The knowledge about menstrual cup will motivate the women to start using them as it is an ecofriendly, cost effective and sustainable method and will thereby promote menstrual hygiene. The present study was aimed to assess the level of knowledge regarding menstrual cup among the women of reproductive age group. Objectives: To assess the level of knowledge regarding menstrual cup among women of reproductive age group. To determine the association between the levels of knowledge among women of reproductive age group and selected demographic variables. Methods: The research design selected for the study was descriptive design. The study was conducted among the women of reproductive age group from 18 to 45 years who visited the female medicine and female surgery out-patient department of a selected hospital, Bangalore. A structured questionnaire was used to assess the level of knowledge regarding menstrual cup. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The mean knowledge score was 9.04.With regards to the knowledge score in specific domains, 77% of the subjects knew what a menstrual cup is, 42% had knowledge about the action of menstrual cup, 40% of them knew how to use a menstrual cup, 37% had knowledge about the advantages of menstrual cup and 51% of them knew some facts on menstrual cup. This study result shows that 88.09% of the subjects had poor knowledge regarding 11.9% of them had average knowledge and none of them had good knowledge regarding menstrual cup. As per the statistical analysis there was no significant association between the level of knowledge and baseline variables at 0.05level of significance. The result of the study emphasizes need for

Knowledge, attitudes and practices on menstrual hygiene and associated factors among grade 10 schoolgirls in the district of Kalutara, Sri Lanka

Introduction: Menstruation is a natural phenomenon that occurs with sexual maturity of females. However, the topic is taboo for most female adolescents leading to improper practices on menstrual hygiene (MH) management. Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices on MH and associated factors among Grade 10 adolescent girls in Kalutara District, Sri Lanka Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. The final sample size computed was 720, applying a design effect of 3.8. As the cluster size decided was 15, 48 clusters/classes were selected using multi-stage stratified cluster sampling applying probability sampling techniques. A validated self-administered questionnaire was administered using Sinhala and Tamil versions. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was conducted to determine the associated factors. Results: Response rate at the time of recruitment was 100%. Satisfactory level of overall knowledge was observed in 25% (95% CI: 21.9, 28.3), attitudes in 67.2% (95% CI: 64.0, 70.9) and practices in 17.3% (95% CI: 14.7, 20.3). Unsatisfactory knowledge was associated with menstrual information not provided by a science teacher (ScT) (p<0.001) school types 1C and 2 combined (p=0.002) and mothers having less than tertiary education (p=0.03). Unsatisfactory attitudes were associated with menstrual information not provided by a ScT (p<0.001) and lack of premenarcheal awareness (p=0.009). Unsatisfactory practices were associated with school types IC and 2 combined (p<0.001), residing in urban sector (p=0.004) and having extended families (p=0.034). Conclusions & Recommendations: Overall knowledge on menstruation and menstrual hygiene related practices were poor, whereas attitudes were satisfactory. School type, maternal educational level, lack of premenarcheal awareness, menstrual information not being provided by a science teacher, residing in urban sector and living with extended family were the factors associated with unsatisfactory knowledge, attitudes and practices.

Practice of menstrual hygiene among school going adolescent girls in the rural areas of district Muzaffarnagar

Background: Every year, May 28 is considered as the Global Menstrual Hygiene Day. Many studies have revealed that most of the adolescent girls had incomplete and inaccurate information about the menstrual physiology and hygiene. Hygiene related practices during menstruation are of considerable importance, as it has a health impact in terms of increased vulnerability to reproductive tract infections (RTI) and other health problems. Aim & Objectives: To find out the menstrual hygiene practices and their association with socio-demographic characteristics of study participants. Material and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 286 school going adolescents girls in the age group of 11-19 years in 5 schools (three government and two private) in the rural area of district Muzaffarnagar. Study was conducted in December, 2021 using a pre- designed, pre-tested questionnaire. Data was analysed statistically and chi square test was applied. Results: Most of the girls achieved menarche at the age of 10-13 years (79.7%). Mothers of around 83.5% girls were illiterate and these girls were less aware about menstrual hygiene practices. Only 63% girls knew about menstruation before menarche. According to 75.5% girls, source of menstrual bleeding was vagina and only 65.7% girls knew about the physiology of menstruation. Conclusion: The study shows that there is significant lack of knowledge among girls regarding menstruation. Only 62% girls use sanitary pads as absorbent material due to various reasons like shyness, high cost, etc. Majority of girls had restrictions of not touching kitchen items and not to take bath during menses. There is a need to make the girls aware regarding menstrual hygiene by various health awareness programs in schools and the community.

Long-term Drought and Diarrhea among Children under Five and the Role of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Practices

Background and Aim. Climate change is projected to intensify drought conditions, which may increase the risk of diarrheal diseases in children. However, evidence on the association between drought and diarrhea risk is scarce. This study aimed to quantify this association among children under five in 51 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods. Data on childhood diarrhea during 1990-2019 were obtained from the Demographic and Health Surveys program. Drought was represented by the 6-to-24-month scale Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index at ~9km resolution and was further dichotomized into mild or severe drought. Log-binomial generalized linear mixed models with random effects for survey cluster were constructed to examine the association, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics. The mediating and interacting effects of water, sanitation, and hygiene-related (WASH) practices were evaluated. Results. Exposure to 6-month mild or severe drought was associated with an increased diarrhea risk of 5% (95% confidence interval 3%–7%) or 8% (5%–11%), respectively. The strongest association for severe drought was observed at the timescale of 6 months, whereas the association for mild drought exhibited a light, graded increase across 6 to 24 month timescales. WASH mediated 11.6% or 19.5% of the association with 6-month mild or severe drought, respectively. The association was stronger among children living in a household that needed longer time to collect water or had no access to water or soap/detergent for handwashing. The association for 24-month drought was strong in dry zones but weak or null in tropical or temperate zones, whereas for 6-month drought the association was only observed in tropical or temperate zones. Conclusions. We observed associations between exposure to long-term drought and elevated diarrhea risk among children under five in LMICs. Our results suggest that the risk could be reduced through improved WASH practices.

Improving population health through targeted policies on water sanitation and hygiene: Case study of water, sanitation and hygiene related practices in the Hohoe Municipality, Ghana

Background: Policies that improve the availability of safe drinking water, good hygiene practices and adequate sanitation conditions are considered crucial ingredients to sustain and improve the health of all populations. To attain the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals require concerted efforts globally to improve or health related morbidity outcomes as a result of poor water sources, sanitation and unhygienic conditions.Aim: The study assessed water, sanitation and hygiene related practices among household residents in Hohoe Municipality, Ghana with the aim of mapping out targeted policies required to improve urban population health in Ghana.Setting: Hohoe Municipality, Ghana.Method: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used to collect data among 403 household residents in Hohoe Municipality, Ghana. Participants were selected using multistage sampling technique. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaire, entered, cleaned and analyzed in STATA version 13.1.Findings: About 16.4% of the participants practiced open defecation. Overall, 58% of the 403 household residents had adequate hygiene practice levels. Percentages of participants that had improved, unimproved and piped drinking water sources were 67%, 14% and 19% respectively.Conclusion: Participants generally had a fairly adequate hygiene practice level and access to improved drinking water source. While almost half of the participants did not own or shared a private toilet facility. Our findings underscore the need for WASH interventions including policies to improve upon WASH practices among the households in Hohoe Municipality.

Effective Handwashing Practice in Dilla University Referral Hospital; Duration of Hand Rubbing and the Amount of Water as Key Enablers.

Background:Ineffective hand hygiene in healthcare settings is a global challenge that is associated with a high rate of nosocomial infections. The study aimed to measure the effectiveness of handwashing at Dilla University referral hospital.Method:This study consisted of 2 parts; the survey work and laboratory analysis. A total of 63 participants were selected to take surveys using an interviewer-administered questionnaire to collect the data regarding the socio-demographic and hand hygiene-related practices. A laboratory tests (swab test) was used to assess handwashing effectiveness from 63 participants by taking 126 swab test (63 before and after hand washing sessions). A swab test was collected from the palms of each participant before and after hand washing using a sterile technique. The cultures were then incubated aerobically overnight at 37°C, and examined for microbial growth. The bacterial load was reported as the number of colony-forming units (CFU).Result:The proportion of effective hand washing in Dilla University Referral Hospital was 82.5%. The mean colony-forming unit before and after handwashing were 55 and 2 CFU/ml, respectively with an average reduction of 94.6% in terms of CFU/ml. The mean amount of water used for effective handwashing was 336.03 (±219.46) ml. There was a significant mean difference in the amount of water used and duration of hand rubbing between effective and non-effective handwashing among the participants (P < 0.01). The bacterial load before and after handwashing indicated that there was a significant (53.3 mean CFU) reduction in bacterial load after handwashing practice which indicated that the handwashing intervention in the Referral hospital was effective (P < 0.01).Conclusion:The proportion of effective Hand washing in Dilla University referral Hospital was 82.5% with a 94.6% reduction in terms of (CFU/ml). The amount of water use and the duration of hand rubbing showed a significant difference in the reduction of the microbial load.

‘Menstruation Awareness Activities’ for Improving the Knowledge, Awareness and Practices Regarding Menstrual Hygiene among Adolescent Girls: A Study Protocol

Background: Menstruation is a normal physiological process that indicates the start of reproductive life. But sometimes it’s considered as an impure phenomenon within the Indian society thanks to cultural taboos and insufficient and half-truths and causes unnecessary restrictions within the day to day normal activities of the menstruating girls. During a girl's life cycle, it is recognized as a special time that requires special consideration. During the life of a woman, Menarche may be a crucial biological milestone because it marks the beginning of her life's reproductive process. Usually, the average age at menarche is consistent across cultures, that is, between the ages of 12 and 13. Unfortunately, for women it gets worse because of lack of menstrual preparedness and management skills or because of shyness and embarrassment. This study aims to assess the knowledge and practices of menstrual hygiene management among adolescent girls from rural region of Wardha district.&#x0D; Methods: This will be a randomized controlled trial that will be conducted in adopted villages of field practice area of Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Wardha. Quantitative data will be collected using a self-administered semi-structured questionnaire. Qualitative data will be collected through focused group discussions (FGD). Pre and post intervention data will be collected and analyzed using SPSS, Appropriate tables and graphs will be prepared, and inferences will be drawn using the Chi-square test and t-test.&#x0D; Results: Significant improvement in knowledge, awareness and practices of maintaining menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls in Wardha district.&#x0D; Conclusion: Proper training and awareness can improve menstrual hygiene related practices in rural areas and assist in improving environmental health as well.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Towards Cryptosporidium Among Public Swimming Pool Patrons and Staff in Western Australia.

There is a dearth of research conducted on the Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) of swimming pool patrons and staff to determine their understanding of the importance of Cryptosporidium and its transmission in swimming pools. We conducted a KAP survey of public swimming pool patrons (n = 380) and staff (n = 40) attending five public swimming pools in Western Australia (WA). Knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of Cryptosporidium varied between patrons and staff but were generally limited. Only 26.1% and 25.0% of patrons and staff had heard of Cryptosporidium, while 17.4% and 10.0% knew that it causes diarrhoea, respectively. Thirty-one percent of patrons were aware of their pool policy concerning gastroenteritis and Cryptosporidium, compared to 62.5% of staff. Less than 50% of patrons demonstrated awareness of how features within the pool environment were relevant to the control of Cryptosporidium. Only about a third of patrons (35%) and staff (37.5%) were aware that showering before swimming reduced the risk of gastroenteritis. Raising awareness about hygiene-related practices through the delivery of targeted health education messages to the general public is essential to reduce the burden of Cryptosporidium infections in aquatic environments.

Water, sanitation and hygiene-related practices in the Hohoe municipality, Ghana: Policy relevance in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals

The African Journal of Primary Health & Family Medicine welcomes submissions that encourage scholarly exchange between family medicine and primary health care researchers and practitioners across Africa and the developing world, whilst providing a contextual and holistic view of family medicine as practiced across the continent.

Self-reported handwashing and surface disinfection behaviors by U.S. adults with disabilities to prevent COVID-19, Spring 2020

BackgroundHandwashing and surface cleaning and disinfection are two hygiene behaviors promoted to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Persons with disabilities may be at increased risk for severe COVID-19 illness due to underlying medical conditions that have been associated with COVID-19. ObjectiveThis study aims to describe self-reported hygiene behaviors among U.S. adults with disabilities to prevent transmission of COVID-19. MethodsData were obtained from the March 2020 Porter Novelli ConsumerStyles survey. This study includes 6463 U.S. adults (≥18 years) who participated in the survey (58.2% response rate). Participants were asked about frequent handwashing and surface disinfection. Participants were also asked six questions to assess disability status and disability type. Prevalence estimates with 95% confidence intervals were calculated; chi-square tests were conducted. ResultsA total of 1295 (20.3%) of survey participants reported at least one disability and their hygiene-related behavior. Overall, 91.3% of respondents with disabilities reported frequent handwashing; only 72% reported frequent surface disinfection. Those with hearing, vision, cognition, mobility, self-care, and independent living disabilities (range: 77.9%–90.6%) were significantly less likely than those without any disability (94.0%) to report frequent handwashing. People with vision (62.2%) and independent living (66.8%) disabilities were less likely to report frequent surface disinfection than those without any disability (74.6%). ConclusionsPractices such as handwashing and disinfecting surfaces are effective for reducing and preventing the spread of COVID-19. Promotion of hygiene-related practices among people with disabilities is essential. Tailored communications and implementation of evidence-based strategies are needed to address hygiene-related behaviors among the subgroups of people with disabilities most affected.

An outcome of educational intervention on the menstrual hygiene practices among school girls in Ogun State, Nigeria: a quasi-experimental study.

Introductionadolescence is a special period of physical and psychological preparation for safe motherhood that requires specific attention as it marks the onset of menarche. Hygiene-related practices are significant during menstruation to prevent being predisposed to reproductive tract infections and other complications. The main objective of the study was to determine the outcome of educational intervention on the menstrual hygiene practices among school girls in Ogun State, Nigeria using the health belief model. One hypothesis guided the study.Methodsthe study utilized a quasi-experimental design comprising of three experimental groups and one control group. The population of the study was one hundred and twenty (120) in-school adolescent girls. The multistage sampling technique was used in selecting participants from four secondary schools within Ogun State. A validated semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection with a Cronbach alpha with a score of 0.87. Data collected were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.Resultsa paired T-test analysis was conducted in determining the results. The observed difference in the mean in the parent-led (Δ = 3.80; t = 20.886; p=0.000), peer-led group (Δ = 4.23; t = 19.901; p=0.000), and combination of parent and peer-led group intervention group (Δ = 3.53; t = 18.015; p=0.000) were statistically significant.Conclusionpeer-led experimental group had the greatest effective change in the level of adolescent girls´ menstrual hygiene practices. Peer educators could be recruited for future interventions and scaled up in other aspects of young girls´ reproductive health and well-being.

Hygiene related practices amongst school children living in a slum of Pune

Introduction: Hygiene refers to practices that help to maintain health and prevent the spread of diseases. School children are particularly vulnerable to neglect basic personal hygiene. Poor hygiene practices play major roles in increased burden of communicable diseases in developing countries. This study was undertaken to assess the personal hygiene practices in school children living in slum area of Pune Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted amongst 150 school children situated in a slum under the field practice area of urban health training center of a private medical college, Pune with the help of pre-designed, pre-tested structured questionnaire. Results: The hygiene practices were graded as very poor, poor, average and good. It is observed that 8% had poor hygiene practices, 68% had average and 24% had good hygiene practices. Very poor hygiene practices were not seen. Conclusion: There is need for parents and teachers as agents of health promotion to enshrine the values of personal hygiene in school children. Keywords: Hygiene practices, school children, Pune.

Effects of menstrual characteristics, symptoms and hygiene-related practices on menstrual experience: A comparative study between freeholder and tenant adolescent schoolgirls of North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, India.

Adolescence is a significant event in woman's life when the process of menstruation occurs with several physical, mental and physiological developments. Menstrual experience of women is largely determined by environmental factors occurring during this period. In India, disparities in numerous factors result in different menstrual characteristics, menstruation-related symptoms and menstrual hygiene-related practices. However, the effect of residential status on the menstrual characteristics of adolescent girls is still unknown. In this context, the present study attempted to explore the variation in overall socio-economic condition and menstrual experience of tenant adolescent girls in comparison to freeholder adolescent girls. A well-structured questionnaire was used to collect information from 167 freeholder and 133 tenant adolescent schoolgirls on socio-economic and menstrual characteristics, menstruation-related symptoms and menstrual hygiene-related practices. Results showed that differences existed for these traits between freeholder and tenant adolescents. The key factors behind unsatisfied menstrual experience of tenant adolescent girls were lack of privacy, unsuitable sanitation facilities and use of cloth as preferred absorbent.

Assessing the impact of information, education and communication activities regarding menstrual hygiene practices among adolescent girls 13-17 years in the rural area of Amritsar

Background: Adolescence period (10-19 years) is a transitional stage. Adolescents constitute 20% of the total population in India. Menarche marks the beginning of a multitude of physical, physiological, and psychological changes in the lives of the girls. During menstruation, hygiene-related practices are of considerable importance because lack of knowledge and poor menstrual hygiene practices makes them prone to reproductive tract infections.Methods: The study was carried out among 13-17 years adolescent girls studying in the Government Senior Secondary Schools at Nagkalan and Sohian Kalan and out of school adolescent girls of the same age group who were residents of these two villages. Base line information was collected from eligible girls and then IEC activities were conducted on menstrual hygiene practices. After three months the impact of IEC activities was assessed and valid conclusions were drawn.Results: 81.13% have attained menarche. 40.6% were using both sanitary pads and cloth, only 7.4% were using only cloth as menstrual absorbent. Almost 3/4th (72.27%) respondents used dumping into open space and pond as method of disposal for used absorbent and after intervention this percentage was decreased to 44.9%.Conclusions: After IEC activities a greater number of adolescent girls were aware regarding safe menstrual hygiene practices.

A Qualitative Enquiry into the Tribal Mothers’ Breastfeeding and Related Hygiene Practices in Kerala

Background: Adequate and appropriate breastfeeding is critical to child survival, growth and development; however, there are widespread inconsistencies in breastfeeding practices with respect to its adequacy and appropriateness, especially in historically marginalize tribes in Kerala. Hence, this study explored breastfeeding and related hygiene practices of tribal mothers with children aged between 0 to 24 months. Method: We conducted 10 FGDs to collect data from five districts with significant proportion of tribal populations in Kerala, using a qualitative descriptive approach to enquiry. Two groups of participants were selected. First group was biological mothers and the second group was grandmothers of children aged between 0-24 months. All FGD participants were purposively selected and thematic analysis was used for data analysis. Results: Hospital delivery has reduced prelacteal feeding. Perceptions of inadequate breastmilk relate with delayed initiation of BF. BF is predominantly demand driven. Communal norms sanction long duration of breastfeeding and nearly all mothers knew EBF. Perceptions of perceptions of inadequate breastmilk relate with early initiated CF. BF benefits to children are in terms of health, cognition, emotional bonding and growth but are harmful for mothers’ health and beauty. Mothers with poor family support face multiple role-related strains. Nearly all mothers have information of colostrum feeding and EBF for 0-6 months but EBF practice was suboptimal. Mothers enjoying poor family support face multiple role-related strains leading to suboptimal breastfeeding. Conclusions: The colostrum avoidance and prelacteal feeding was less frequent due to hospital deliveries but many believed that breastmilk alone was insufficient to newborns, leading to early CF. Proactive breastfeeding was less frequent and knowledge about breastfeeding benefits was child centric. Mothers’ work and household chores conflict with breastfeeding frequency.