Abstract :
Background: Adolescence is the significant period in the life of a woman. Menstrual disturbances are the commonest presenting complaint in adolescent age group and unhygienic practices during menstruation can lead to untoward consequences like pelvic inflammatory disease and even infertility.
Objectives: To study the knowledge and practice regarding menstrual hygiene among adolescents.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted from October 2018 to December 2018 among 100 adolescent girls who attended adolescent clinics at Urban Health Training centre of KBNU Medical College, Kalaburagi.
Results: The mean age of participants was 16.2 ± 2.1 SD. only 26% of participants were aware about menstruation before menarche. Majority (91%) of participants had knowledge about use of sanitary pads during menstruation but only 78% used them. The most common reason for non usage was the cost of pads (68%). The method of disposal was satisfactory among 62% of participants and 84% of participants change their pads /cloth pieces 2-3 times per day. Restriction of diet during menstruation was seen in 40% and 30% missed school during their periods.
Conclusion: Although there was good knowledge regarding menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls, practice needs to improve. Health education sessions at urban health clinics and schools involving mothers of these adolescent girls can aid to overcome socio cultural practices of restricting movement and diet restrictions during menstruation.
Keyword :
Adolescent girl, Knowledge, Menstruation, Hygiene, Sanitary pads.