Menstruation Related Practices and their Determinants Among School going Adolescent Girls of Urban Area of District Ghaziabad

Abstract

Aim: To assess menstrual hygiene practices among school going adolescent girls and determine their association with socio demographic factors.

Methods:  A cross-sectional study was conducted among school going adolescent girls in urban areas of district Ghaziabad, 140 adolescent girls were interviewed. A pre-designed, semi-structured and validated questionnaire was used to collect data and then participants were subjected to counselling in the form of an awareness session. Data was collected and cleaned in MS EXCEL and statistical analysis was done using appropriate statistical methods.

Results: Majority of the participants (60%) belonged to the age group of 16–18 years. Among the participants 82.9% used sanitary pads and the remaining used cloth. Overall, 51.4% of the girls changed their absorbents 2–3 times daily. 57.9% of girls practiced genital hygiene and 60.7% of girls reported changing undergarments daily. Significant associations were observed between age, class, and religion with various hygiene practices (p < 0.05), while socio-economic status showed no significant association. School absenteeism during menstruation was reported by 84.3% girls, and 75% preferred to stay indoors during this time. Despite good awareness, several traditional restrictions and poor hygiene practices were prevalent.

Conclusion: Although most adolescent girls use sanitary pads, significant gaps in hygiene practices and traditional restrictions persist. Menstrual hygiene practices are influenced by age, class and religion. These ongoing taboos and poor practices highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions. Strengthening education, encouraging open discussion, and implementing focused interventions are essential for improving menstrual health among adolescent girls.