Publication:

Menstrual health management: effect on learning outcomes on young adolescent girls: a case study of Sub-District Bijbehara

Background Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is an important component of adolescent health and has a direct influence on school participation and learning outcomes among adolescent girls. However, inadequate awareness, limited access to sanitary products, and poor sanitation infrastructure in schools often create barriers that affect girls’ comfort, dignity, and educational engagement.

Methods This study was conducted in 26 Government schools of Educational Zone Bijbehara (Jammu and Kashmir). Data were collected from Heads of Institutions (HOIs) to assess the prevailing status of MHM in school settings, focusing on awareness initiatives, availability of sanitary products, infrastructural facilities, waste disposal mechanisms, and training received by school leadership regarding menstrual health.

Results The findings reveal a mixed scenario of progress and persistent gaps. While 84.6% of schools had conducted awareness programmes on menstrual hygiene, only 38.5% reported availability of sanitary pads, and merely 3.8% had functional incinerators. Separate toilets for girls (96.2%) and running water (100%) were largely available; however, only 3.8% of schools reported adequate lighting in toilets. Nearly half of the schools lacked proper sanitary waste disposal systems, and vending machines for sanitary pads were almost absent. A significant capacity gap was observed as only 11.5% of HOIs had received formal training on menstrual health. Additionally, 50% of schools did not track absenteeism related to menstruation or evaluate the impact of MHM awareness on attendance.

Conclusions Strengthening MHM in schools is essential for safeguarding the health, dignity, and educational participation of adolescent girls. A coordinated, multi-sectoral approach focusing on infrastructure, training, product availability, and systematic monitoring is necessary to improve menstrual health and promote educational equity.