Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Menstrual Health among Adolescent School Girls in Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

Background: The event of menarche associated with taboos and myths in our traditional society has a negative
implication for women’s health, particularly their menstrual hygiene. Women having better knowledge regarding
menstrual hygiene are less vulnerable to reproductive tract infections.
Objectives: 1) To study the Socio-demographic profile of adolescent school girls.
2) To study the Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of menstrual hygiene among adolescent school girls.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 122 adolescent girls of two
secondary schools situated in the rural field practice area of Kurnool Medical college, Kurnool with the help of a
pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire. Data were analyzed statistically by simple proportions.
Results: Out of 122 respondents, 48 (39.3%) girls were aware about menstruation prior to attainment of menarche.
Mother and family members were the first informant regarding menstruation in case of 93 (76.2%) girls. 101
(82.8%) girls believed it as a physiological process. Regarding practices, 119 (97.6%) girls used sanitary pads
during menstruation.
Conclusions: Menstrual hygiene, a very important risk factor for reproductive tract infections, is a vital aspect
of health education for adolescent girls. Trained health personnel, motivated school teachers and knowledgeable
parents can play a very important role in transmitting the vital message of correct menstrual hygiene to the
adolescent girl of today.