A study on menstrual hygiene among rural adolescent girls
Drakshayani Devi, K.; Venkata Ramaiah, P.
Indian Journal of Medical Sciences 48(6): 139-143
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5359 PMID: 7927585 Document Number: 290390
In India, interviews were conducted with 65 females 14-15 years old attending a rural high school in Guntur District in Andhra Pradesh to learn their knowledge and practices about menstruation. All the students attained menarche at 12-13 years. The menstrual cycle was 26-28 days in length for 42 students. Menstrual bleeding lasted for 3-5 days for 52 students. Even though 43 knew that menstruation is a physiological process, 12, 4, and 5 thought it to be a curse from God, caused by a sin, and a disease, respectively. About 50% knew that hormones were responsible for menstruation. 18 believed weight gain caused it. Most students (51) knew that menstrual bleeding originated from the uterus. Other sites mentioned were abdomen, intestines, and kidneys. 48 received information about menstruation from their mothers. Other information sources included grandmothers, friends, and sisters. All but one used old cloth during menstruation. 25 reused the cloth. 16 disposed of the used cloth through Dhoby. 13 put it into a canal. 52 took special baths during menstruation. 27 students cleaned the external genitalia with only water. Only three students used water and soap. More than 50% were restricted from household work, taking part in religious activities, attending marriages, and playing during menstruation. 13 were restricted from attending school during menstruation. 38 would rest more often during menstruation than at other times. Foods restricted during menstruation included milk and milk products (20), vegetables (14), and prasadam (7). Some ate more quantities of dry coconut (15), Dhal (11), and jaggery and sweets (8) to maintain good health. These findings show the need for education about menstruation through several channels (e.g., TV, school nurses, health personnel, compulsory sex education in school, and knowledgeable parents).