Panacea Journal of Medical Sciences

Awareness of adolescent girls regarding menstruation and practices during menstrual cycle

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Article Type : Null

Author Details: Tarhane S, Kasulkar A

Volume : 5

Issue : 1

Online ISSN : 2348-7682

Print ISSN : 2249-8176

Article First Page : 29

Article End Page : 32

Abstract

Although adolescent period marks the beginning of women’s menstrual and reproductive life, adolescent girls constitute a vulnerable group. Hygiene related practices of menstruation are of considerable importance as it has health impact in terms of increased vulnerability to reproductive tract infections (RTI). Therefore, increased knowledge about menstruation right from childhood may escalate practices and may mitigate the sufferings of women. With this in mind, the present study was carried out to gather information regarding menstruation, hygiene related practices of menstruation, and its related problems among adolescent girls. A cross-sectional study was carried out in 100 adolescent girls of age group 12-18 years. They were interviewed through pretested questionnaire. We found that 89% girls thought menstruation to be a normal process, 79% girls used sanitary napkins while 21% girls used clothes as absorbent during menses. Mother seemed to be the first source of information in 88% girls. Te girls should be educated about the menstruation and hygienic practices which can be achieved by educational television programs, school/nurses health personnel, compulsory sex education in school curriculum and knowledgeable parents.

Keywords: Hygiene, Menstruation, Adolescent girls, Reproductive tract infection.

Doi No:-10.18231