DESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS OF MENSTRUAL HYGIENE KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE AMONG ADOLESCENT GIRLS IN INDIAN SCHOOLS

Abstract

Ensuring adequate menstrual hygiene knowledge and practice is essential for the health, dignity, and well-being of adolescent girls in Indian schools. Insufficient understanding and improper practices regarding menstrual hygiene among this demographic can adversely impact their reproductive health. This descriptive study aimed to assess the knowledge and practices related to menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls in Indian schools. Specifically, the research sought to examine the level of knowledge and practice among these girls and explore any significant associations between demographic variables and their understanding and behavior regarding menstrual hygiene. Conducted in schools from Maharashtra, the study involved a sample of adolescent girls selected through a random sampling technique. A self-structured questionnaire and checklist were utilized to evaluate their knowledge and practices concerning menstrual hygiene. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to analyze the data. The findings revealed that the majority of adolescent girls demonstrated moderately adequate knowledge and practice regarding menstrual hygiene. However, there were notable proportions with inadequate understanding and behavior in this regard. Furthermore, significant associations were found between knowledge and demographic variables such as age and family income, as well as between practice and family income and religion. The study highlights the need for comprehensive menstrual hygiene education and promotion among adolescent girls in Maharashtrian schools to ensure optimal health and well-being.