DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2015.v03i07.053

Pages: 2704-2709

The menstrual period is a physiological process that occurs throughout the reproductive years of every woman. Menstruation can also predispose women to life threatening RTI (Reproductive Tract Infection) if hygiene is not maintained throughout menstruation. Issue of Menstrual Hygiene begins with adolescent age. The practices, knowledge and attitude which develop at this age, are usually followed by them throughout their life and also passed on to their next generation. Therefore any faulty beliefs or practices pertaining to menstruation will affect health of large number of women in reproductive age group. This was a cross sectioned study. Present study included adolescent girls of urban areas as well as rural areas. Two hundred and fifteen girls of the 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th standard were selected for the study. A predesigned pretested and structured questionnaire was used in the study. Most of adolescents (68%) were have no idea regarding the menstruation. 83% of adolescent girls got primary knowledge from their mother. Most of the adolescent girls (41%) undergone first menstruation in 13Th year. 66% adolescent were using sanitary pads during menstruation. Most of the adolescent girls (61%) were cleaning the external genital area by washing with water and soap. Usually adolescent girls are guided by their mother, elder sister or other family members regarding menstrual hygiene practices. So it is also necessary to assess the knowledge and beliefs of mother as well as other female family members regarding the menstrual hygiene. School curriculum should include health education on reproductive health.