A Cross sectional study on Menstrual Pattern and Hygienic Practices amongst school Going Adolescent Girls in Urban Health Centre Practice Area

Myths and misconceptions related to menstruation are often associated with some degree of sufferings and embarrassment among adolescent girls. The present study was planned to find out the menstrual pattern among girls as well as their menstrual hygienic practices.

Cross sectional study done in private schools during July 2015 to Sept 2015.

The mean age of menarche of the study participants was found to be 13 years 9 months. Around 17.3% girls had irregular menstrual cycles, 40.7% girls were suffering from dysmenorrhea and 34.7% were having backaches. Knowledge regarding menstruation was adequate in 37.3% girls, about 73.3% avoids social gathering and 54.3% were irregular to school during menstruation. About 16.7% of the students were not using sanitary pads. About 26% girls were having good personal hygiene and 54.6% of participants felt shy watching advertisements regarding sanitary napkins in front of male members.

Our study concludes that the prevalence of menstrual irregularity, dysmenorrhoea led to absenteeism which affect the academics and quality of life of students. Awareness regarding menstrual hygiene was also found to be low. Low level of social participation was also seen during menstruation. Awareness programs involving school teachers is the need of the hour.