A study to assess the knowledge regarding menstrual hygiene among adolescentgirls in srs pm shri government senior secondary school, ugalan

Abstract

Menstrual hygiene is one of the most essential components of adolescent reproductive health and plays a significant role in maintaining the physical, psychological, emotional, and social well-being of adolescent girls. Menstruation is a natural physiological process experienced by females during their reproductive years; however, despite scientific advancements and improved educational opportunities, menstruation continues to remain a sensitive and stigmatized topic in many societies. Lack of awareness, cultural restrictions, social taboos, myths, misconceptions, inadequate sanitation facilities, and poor menstrual hygiene practices continue to affect adolescent girls negatively, particularly in rural and semi-urban communities. Menstrual hygiene management refers to the use of clean absorbent materials during menstruation, proper washing and cleaning of the genital area, changing absorbents at appropriate intervals, safe disposal of used materials, and maintaining overall personal hygiene during menstruation. Inadequate menstrual hygiene management may result in urinary tract infections, reproductive tract infections, pelvic inflammatory diseases, emotional stress, poor self-confidence, social isolation, and reduced educational participation. The present study was conducted to assess the knowledge regarding menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls studying at SRS PM Shri Government Senior Secondary School, Ugalan, Haryana. A quantitative research approach with a descriptive research design was adopted for the study. The sample consisted of 60 adolescent girls selected using non-probability purposive sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured socio-demographic questionnaire and a self-structured knowledge questionnaire regarding menstrual hygiene. The structured questionnaire included multiple dimensions of menstrual hygiene such as menstrual physiology, menstrual cycle, hygienic practices during menstruation, use of sanitary absorbents, frequency of changing pads, genital hygiene, hand hygiene, nutritional requirements during menstruation, disposal methods, prevention of reproductive tract infections, myths and misconceptions, emotional and psychological aspects related to menstruation, and social restrictions faced during menstrual periods. The collected data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings of the study revealed that the majority of adolescent girls possessed moderately adequate knowledge regarding menstrual hygiene, while a smaller proportion demonstrated adequate knowledge. Some participants still possessed inadequate awareness regarding proper hygienic practices, menstrual physiology, prevention of infections, and disposal methods. The study further identified significant associations between menstrual hygiene knowledge scores and selected demographic variables such as mother’s educational status, source of information, socioeconomic background, and prior exposure to health education programs. Girls who had previously attended awareness sessions or received reproductive health education demonstrated comparatively higher knowledge scores. The study concluded that although menstrual hygiene awareness among adolescent girls is gradually improving, several misconceptions, social barriers, and knowledge gaps still exist. Continuous school-based health education programs, counselling sessions, adolescent reproductive health services, teacher involvement, parental guidance, and community awareness campaigns are necessary to improve menstrual hygiene knowledge and promote safe menstrual practices among adolescent girls