ASSESSMENT OF UNDERSTANDING, MINDSET AND TRAINING ON MENSTRUAL HEALTH AND HYGIENE AMONG THE TEACHERS OF UTTARAKHAND

Abstract

Abstract

Introduction: Menstruation is a normal and healthy aspect of life for women. Roughly half of the female population, around 26% of the global population, are of reproductive age (UNICEF, 2018). Despite this, numerous obstacles on school campuses, including fear, shame, uneducated and unsupportive teachers, and insufficient water, disposal facilities, and privacy, can impede effective menstrual management. Objectives:  To Assess the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Training of School Teachers in Uttarakhand Regarding Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management. Methods: The responses of 367 teachers were collected through Google Forms from May 2022 – May 2023. It was a cross-sectional descriptive quantitative study using simple random sampling techniques. Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 20.0 used for analysis. Result: Most respondents (96%) are familiar with the concept of menstruation. Seventy-one percent are aware of menstruation as a physiological phenomenon. Seventy-five percent are aware of the origin of menstrual blood (Uterus). Seventy-two percent of school teachers reported that sanitary pads are available in schools. Seventy-four percent of teachers reported that schools provide separate toilet facilities, but only 85 percent reported proper water supply within the toilets. Conclusion: This study demonstrate the high level of understanding, positive mindset, and good training of MHM among the school teachers of Uttarakhand. The study found the promotion of appropriate measures for the disposal of sanitary napkins used in schools, workplace and public toilets can ensure better outcomes of menstrual hygiene. Regular orientations, awareness campaigns in school regarding menstrual hygiene management is essential to successfully remove taboos, misconceptions, and negative perceptions among the population.