%0 Journal Article
%T Menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls
%A Deepika Kunj
%A Rakesh Sharma
%A Sandhya Negi
%A Vardha .
%A Varsha Sharma
%J -
%D 2015
%X Background: Menstruation and menstrual practices are still clouded by taboos and socio-cultural restrictions resulting in adolescent girls remaining ignorant of the scientific facts and hygienic health practices, which sometimes result into adverse health outcomes. Objective: To assess knowledge and practice regarding menstrual hygiene before and after teaching program among adolescent girls. Materials and Methods: A true experimental study was conducted among 50 adolescent girls of a secondary school situated in the Bhaniyawala of Dehradun district, Uttarakhand, with the help of a pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire. Participants were randomly assigned into control (n=25) and experimental group (n=25). Adolescent girls from both groups were assessed for knowledge and practice regarding menstrual hygiene on day 1 and on 15th day. Participants of experimental group were administered educational programme regarding menstrual hygiene on day 1 after assessment for knowledge and practice regarding menstrual hygiene. Data were analysed statistically by simple proportions. Results: The mean age of the adolescent girl was 13.88¡À 1.5 and age of menarche 12.74¡À0.98. Out of 50, 32 (64%) mothers¡¯ of adolescent girls were educated at graduate level. The mean pre-test knowledge and practice in experimental group 8.04¡À1.54, 3.52¡À1.0 and control group 8.02¡À2.0, 3.24¡À1.0 respectively. The level of knowledge and practice regarding menstrual hygiene of subjects who participated in educational program was significantly better than that of the control group. Conclusions: Menstrual hygiene, a very important risk factor for reproductive tract infections, is a vital aspect of health education for adolescent girls. Educational television programmes, trained school nurses/health personnel, motivated school teachers and knowledgeable parents can play a very important role in transmitting the vital message of correct menstrual hygiene to the adolescent girl of today
%U http://www.iapsmupuk.org/journal/index.php/IJCH/article/view/588