A Cross-sectional Study on Awareness Regarding Safe and Hygienic Practices amongst School Going Adolescent Girls in Rural Area of Wardha District, India

Abstract

Onset of menstruation is one of the most important changes occurring during adolescence. In various parts of India, there are several cultural traditions, myths and misconceptions related to menstruation, which make them vulnerable to genital tract infections. To understand the perceptions, source of information and status of menstrual hygiene a cross- sectional study was carried out amongst 300 school going adolescent girls (10- 19 yrs) in the rural area of Wardha district, Maharashtra, India. Majority of the girls received the information regarding menstruation from their mothers (41%), followed by Media (24%) and friends (19%). Of the girls who developed genital tract infections, 66% used cloth. 37% girls do not disclose about their menstruation. Cleanliness of external genitalia was unsatisfactory. Hence it is important to educate the girls with scientific knowledge and dispelling their myths and misconceptions thereby encouraging safe and hygienic practices for safeguarding themselves against various infections.