Menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls – A study from urban slum area

BACKGROUND: Adolescence has been recognized as a special period that requires specific attention as it marks the onset of menarche, an important milestone, and hence good hygienic practices during menstruation are crucial to maintain a healthy life. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study was planned to assess knowledge, beliefs, and source of information regarding menstruation, and also to assess hygiene among them. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A cross-sectional study was carried out in urban slum area. Data were collected using pre-tested proforma during the period of 1(st) June to 31(th) August 2017. Among the 100 adolescent girls, 72% were between 15 and 19 years. A maximum of 47% were having high school education. About 47% mothers were illiterate; 27% girls had menarche at 14 years and 82% had regular cycles. About 76% had no knowledge of menses before menarche. The source of information was mother in 84%. Only 16% girls commented that bleeding initiated in uterus. About 60% girls used sanitary pad and the rest used cloth pieces. About 22% used water and no soap for hand washing. Multiple restrictions were practiced. CONCLUSION: This study reported that menstrual hygiene was unsatisfactory among adolescent girls. Therefore, girls should be educated about the facts of menstruation and proper hygienic practices.