Menstrual Hygiene Problems and Challenges Faced by Adolescent Females in Rural Areas: A Narrative Review

Menstruation is a vital sign of reproductive health and development. Menstrual hygiene practices are consequently a significant public health issue. However, menstrual practices are still tainted by taboos and other sociocultural constraints, which adversely affect health since adolescent females in rural areas are unaware of the scientific facts regarding menstrual hygiene practices. The Indian government has recognized the significance of menstrual hygiene and developed and implemented several programs and schemes for menstrual hygiene management (MHM). But due to a lack of, little, or inaccurate knowledge and cultural practices and socio-economic status, adolescent females face many obstacles and suffer from health issues. A comprehensive literature and data search was done using key databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar and other sources such as the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), the World Health Organization (WHO), and Google to identify the relevant articles and reviewed publications using full-text search. A total of 40 articles out of 1,461 were selected for review after the screening and elimination of repeated articles. The objective of this literature review is to assess the awareness and knowledge of the importance of menstruation, the understanding of safe menstruation practices, the significance of properly disposing of menstrual products, and the knowledge of how to guard against reproductive system infection and its consequences and also to identify the problems and challenges faced by adolescent females during their menstrual hygiene practices or management. The core of many health issues is misinformation, myths, erroneous beliefs, lack of awareness, and incomplete or incorrect knowledge about menstruation. Therefore, it is essential to teach adolescent females about hygienic behavior and safe menstrual practices.