A cross sectional study of knowledge and practices regarding menstrual hygiene, in undergraduate student girls of Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

Background: Observation of menstrual hygiene and practices during this period has a substantial bearing on the genito-urinary health of an individual. In Indian society discussion on menstruation is still considered a taboo resulting in poor knowledge and unhygienic practices during this period. Objectives of the study was to assess the status of knowledge and practices of menstrual hygiene among the undergraduate student girls and to assess the source of information and prevailing myths regarding menstruation in the society. Methods: 396 female first year students pursuing undergraduate course were studied with the help of a structured pilot tested questionnaire. Results: 68.7% girls were aware about menstruation before attaining the menarche. Mother or sister was the source of such information in 75.8% of those who were having this awareness. In spite of 56.6% girls being aware that sanitary napkin are the best absorbent to be used; only 24.75% were found to use it. Ordinary new cloth was used by 40.4% while 34. 85% used any available cloth. 39.4% girls cleaned external genitalia less than three times. Plain water was used for cleaning by 50.5%. Nearly three fourth of the girls were found to practice some or the other kind of restriction during menses. Conclusions: There is an urgent need to create awareness regarding menstrual hygiene among all the females in the society and to de-root the prevalent myths. The role of teachers and media should be enhanced. This will help in reducing the burden of genito-urinary infections and improve the reproductive health.