Publication:

Perception and practices on menstrual hygiene among urban adolescent girls: a cross-sectional study

Background Adolescence is a period of transition from childhood to adulthood. It is a unique stage of human development and an important time for laying the foundation. The World Health Organization defines adolescents as "young people between the ages of 10 and 19 years, a transition period from childhood to adult life”. This study aimed to assess the perception of menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls. To find out the prevailing practices of menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls in the field practice area of UHTC, VIMSAR, Burla. To assess other factors associated with menstrual hygiene practices.

Methods This study was conducted as a community-based cross-sectional study. This study was conducted from September 2022 to July 2024. The study was designed and planned in the Department of Community Medicine, VIMSAR, Burla, Sambalpur, Odisha, India. VIMSAR is one of the oldest Medical Colleges in the state of Odisha.

Results Mean age of menarche was 12.5±1.22 years. Around 33% were aware of menstruation before menarche, and mothers were the main source of information. Around 58% were aware of the subsidy on sanitary napkins. All of the participants used sanitary napkins. Around 60% girls changed menstrual materials 4-6 hourly. The majority of the participant were disposing of their materials by burning or burying, or throwing in a dustbin. Good menstrual hygiene management was followed by only 27.7% of the participants.

Conclusions Even though sanitary pad users were high, unhygienic practices were noticed, so more emphasis needs to be given on awareness of menstrual hygiene practices among adolescent girls.