Menstrual hygiene and its awareness among adolescent girls-a study from an urban area

Abstract

Background: Menstrual hygiene management is vital for the health and well-being of adolescent girls, especially in developing countries like India, where menstruation is surrounded by cultural taboos and stigmas. These societal attitudes can impact physical and psychological health, making MHM crucial for dignity, comfort, and infection prevention. In urban areas of India, despite better access to education and healthcare compared to rural regions, many girls still face challenges such as limited access to sanitary products, inadequate school facilities, and insufficient menstrual health education. Addressing these issues is essential for achieving Sustainable Development Goals related to health, education, gender equality, and sanitation.

Methods: This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate menstrual hygiene awareness and practices among 500 urban adolescent girls aged 11-16 years who had attained menarche. A structured questionnaire developed by Chettinad Hospital's Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology was used, covering awareness of menstruation, hygiene practices, and access to products.

Results: The study found that most of the participants had good knowledge when it came to awareness of menstruation, but faced limitations in understanding it’s management and the social restrictions associated with it.

Conclusions: This study shows that there is progress in menstrual hygiene management but also reveals ongoing challenges. Effective interventions should focus on improving menstrual education, providing resources, and combating cultural stigmas to support adolescent girls to manage menstruation with dignity and confidence.