Menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls: a study from Bangalore urban slums

Abstract

Adolescence has been recognized as a special period that requires specific attention as it marks the onset of menarche, an important milestone, and hence good hygienic practices during menstruation are crucial to maintaining a healthy life. This study was planned to assess knowledge, beliefs, and source of information regarding menstruation, and also to assess hygiene among them. A crosssectional study was carried out in an urban slum area. Among the 100 adolescent girls, 72% were between 15 and 19 years. A maximum of 47% was having a high school education. About 47% of mothers were illiterate; 27% of girls had menarche at 14 years, and 82% had regular cycles. About 76% did not know menses before menarche. The source of information was the mother in 84%. Only 16% of girls commented that bleeding initiated in the uterus. About 60% of girls used the sanitary pad and the rest used cloth pieces. About 22% used water and no soap for handwashing. Multiple restrictions were practiced. This study reported that menstrual hygiene was unsatisfactory among adolescent girls. Therefore, girls should be educated about the facts of menstruation and proper hygienic practices.