Knowledge, readiness, and myths about menstruation among students at the Princess Noura University

BACKGROUND: Menstruation is a natural part of the female reproductive cycle in which periodic discharge of blood from the uterus exits through the vagina, it is the spontaneous onset of puberty. AIM: The study is to assess the level of knowledge, readiness, and myths about menstruation among young Saudi girls in the Princess Noura University, Riyadh. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study of a convenient sample of 500 students from different colleges at the Princess Nora Bint Abdul Rahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia was conducted between January 2016 and March 2016. A validated questionnaire assessing knowledge, readiness, and attitude of participants was used. Questions assessing beliefs and myths about menstruation were included. RESULTS: About 500 students participated in the study, their average age was 21.1 ± 7.8 years and 25.8% of them were from the health colleges. The main source of information about menstruation was the mother in about 60%, whereas only 4% considered doctors and nurses as a source of information. The study shows that the knowledge, attitude, and readiness of participants about menstruation were really poor. The majority (73.4%) of the participants were not able to correctly recognize why girls get their period. Similarly, the percentage of students having a negative attitude about menstruation is 78.4% (370), and <23% were defined to be ready before their first menses. CONCLUSION: The results of the study depict that the respondents lack proper knowledge of information relevant to menstruation. This included the importance of increasing awareness and giving accurate information using scientific sources, such as schools, colleges, or health team members.