A Cross-Sectional Study on the knowledge and practice of menstrual hygiene among school children in Pathanamthitta, Kerala

Abstract

Introduction: Menstruation is a normal biological process and yet there is a lacunae when it comes to knowledge of it. This along with certain cultural practices and restrictions add to the reproductive tract infections related to menstrual hygiene.
Objectives: 1) To assess the knowledge and the practices of menstrual hygiene among school going adolescent girls. 2) To assess the restrictions which were practiced by adolescent schoolgirls during menstruation.3) To provide health education regarding menstruation and healthy menstrual hygiene practices.
Settings and Design: School based cross-sectional study was conducted in a private institute and a government aided institute among girls in the age group of 12-18 years.
Materials and Methods: Multistage sampling technique was used to select study population. Data was collected using pretested close ended questionnaire following which health education was provided to the study participants
Statistical analysis : Qualitative data was analysed using frequency, proportion and association was done using chi square test with p value <0.05 taken as statistically significant. Quantitative data was analysed using measures of central tendency and dispersion.
Results: 8.9% of the study participants who had attained menarche complained of previous history of menstrual infection and on further probing, there was a significant relation between infections and their knowledge on menstrual hygiene and menstruation process
Conclusions: There is a need of early education on menstrual hygiene to girls attaining menarche for menstrual hygiene and subsequent prevention of reproductive tract infection