A descriptive study to assess the challenges faced in adhering to menstrual hygiene management practices by adolescent girls in selected rural schools of Goalpara district, Assam

Abstract

Background: Ability to manage menstruation hygienically is an important component of basic cleanliness, sanitation and reproductive health services. Also it is fundamental to the dignity and well-being of women. The concept that menstruating girls and women are dirty or impure and no proper awareness on the physiology, illogical attitude, myths, and misconceptions negatively affect their health and social lives. Unfortunately, it continues to be treated as a taboo in many societies, shrouded in a culture of silence and shame. Aim: To identify the challenges faced by adolescent girls in adhering to menstrual hygiene management practices. Materials and Methods: The study was a descriptive study conducted at rural schools of Goalpara district, Assam among 200 school students of class VI-XII. And were selected using purposive sampling techniques. The subjects were assessed for challenges faced in adhering to menstrual hygiene management practices. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS version 20 software. Results: Majority 100 % of the participants were facing some kind of challenges during menstruation. Majority of the participants i.e. 64% (128) faced higher level challenges and 36% (72) faced lower level challenges. There is significant association between challenges faced in adhering to menstrual hygiene management practices and demographic variables of adolescent girls [age (df=1, p< .001) and education (df=2, p< .001)]. Conclusion: Overall there still exist some or other challenges which the adolescent girls face in adhering to menstrual hygiene practice.