A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY ON KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE REGARDING MENSTRUAL HYGIENE AMONG FEMALE NURSING STUDENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Objective: Menstruation, though a normal physiological process in the females of the reproductive age group, is surrounded by various misconceptions and social taboos. Inadequate knowledge and unhygienic menstrual practices can adversely affect female health. Infections of the reproductive and genitor-urinary tracts, cervical cancer, school absenteeism, academic achievement, poor self-abilities, and diminished well-being have been linked to poor menstrual hygiene practices. We conducted this study to evaluate the knowledge and practices regarding menstruation in female nursing students in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: This questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey was carried out over a period of 3 months on female B.Sc nursing students at the department of Pharmacology in a tertiary care hospital. Data regarding sociodemographic profile, knowledge of obstetric and gynecological factors, perception of menstruation, and hygienic practice of the participants during their menstruation were collected. Results: Responses from 165 participants were analyzed. The mean age of the students was 19.64 years. Most of their parents had education up to a diploma and above (47.27% among mothers and 70.9% among fathers). The majority of the participants used to experience dysmenorrhea (52.72%) and had premenarcheal ideas about menstruation (78.18%). Mother was the most common source of information (54.54%), followed by teachers (16.96%) and media (13.33%). Most of the participants knew the source (89.09%) and cause (100%) of menstrual bleeding. A considerable portion (45.45%) thought menstruation was the sign of conception. The majority (96.36%) used commercially made sanitary pads and used to dispose of the used sanitary pads in the dustbin (98.19%) by wrapping them with paper (98.19%). Conclusion: The present study found an encouraging picture regarding knowledge and hygienic practices during menstruation among the participants. Education regarding menstrual hygiene should be imparted at the grassroot level. In this regard, Anganwadi and health-care professionals, educators, and public network can play a significant role. All mothers need to be taught about the importance of hygienic practices during menstruation, convey correct information to their daughters, and should be encouraged to break the age-old myths and taboos associated with menstruation.