DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2014.v02i04.017

Pages: 1251-1254

Menstruation is part of the female reproductive cycle that starts when girls become sexually mature. Studies have revealed a range of psychosocial factor affecting this phenomenon as well as a huge gap in the knowledge, attitude and practices of adolescent girls, regarding menstruation. The aim was to study the psycho-social behaviour of urban adolescent girls of North India during menstruation. It is a school-based, descriptive, cross-sectional study, conducted in North India. The study was conducted among adolescent girls studying in the tenth class of schools in an urban area of North India. Data was collected in the form of personal particulars, anthropometric measurements and an examiner administered questionnaire. Data was analysed using EpiInfo. Majority of girls attained menarche at 12 to 13 years of age. Majority of the girls used branded sanitary napkins available in market and disposed them of in dustbins. Restrictions were imposed on the girls due to customs and traditions, especially related to visiting places of worship during this period. Based on the findings of this study and analysis of the findings, we realise that this age group is ideal to be targeted in order to encourage them to resort to good menstrual hygiene and maintain a good reproductive health.