Knowledge and Practice Related to Menstrual Health and Hygiene in Female Athletes– A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Female athletes have to manage regular training along with the pain and discomfort felt while
they are having their menstruation. The study assesses level of menstrual health and hygiene knowledge and
practice and it will help to take necessary steps for betterment of female athletes.
Objective: To assess the knowledge and practice of menstrual health and hygiene among female athletes.
Method: Cross sectional observational study; data were taken from various institutes and academies of
Anand and Ahmedabad (Gujarat). A semi-structured validated questionnaire was used. Female athletes
of age 15-21 are included in the study. Willing participants were given information about the study and
obtained consent form. Descriptive statistics are used to summarize demographic variables. Results are
represented as proportions.
Results: For the level of knowledge related to menstrual health and hygiene; more than 50% have good
knowledge, about 3% participants have poor knowledge. Regarding the practice related to menstrual health
and hygiene, majority of the participants use sanitary napkins as primary management material for menses
and disposal is done majorly in dustbins.
Conclusion: Female athletes prefer to take part in sports even during their menses. Female athletes manage
menses during sporting events by mind diverting, proper padding and taking pain killers.