Awareness, perception and practices of government pre-university adolescent girls regarding menstruation in Mysore city, India

Abstract

Background: Hygienic practices during menstruation are of great importance, the lack of which increases the susceptibility of an individual to reproductive tract infections. Good knowledge and safe practices about menstruation leads to good reproductive health. The aim of the study was (1) to describe the socio-demographic profile of the government pre-university adolescent girls in Mysore city, India; (2) to assess their awareness, perception and practices regarding menstruation and (3) to assess their pattern of health seeking behaviour.

Methods:A cross sectional study was conducted among government pre university adolescent girls in Mysore city, India between June 2013 and November 2013. The total sample size of 1500 was selected from the total population of 4155 by using proportional stratified sampling technique. Direct interview method was used to collect the information using pretested, semi structured questionnaire after taking the consent from the students.

Results: Majority of the girls were Hindus (75.73%) were from urban area (69.60%) and belonged to lower middle (48.60%) and upper lower class (34.81%).The mean age of menarche of the study subjects was 13.38±0.96 years. Only 335 (22.33%) of students had awareness about menstrual cycle before attaining the menarche. Statistically significant association was present between the absorbent materials used during menstruation with the socio economic status and mother’s literacy. Only 810 (54%) students were using sanitary pads. Backache 575 (38.33%) and dysmenorrhea 564 (37.60%) were the major problems encountered and only 595 (39.66%) subjects had taken medical advice.

Conclusions:There is a substantial lacunae in the knowledge and perception of the girls. The health seeking behaviour of the girls in the study is poor.