A cross-sectional study to assess knowledge of menstrual hygiene practices among adolescent girl students aged 13-15yrs in a school

Abstract

Adolescence, defined by the World Health Organization as the age range of 10-19 years, encompasses a critical developmental phase marked by significant physiological and psychological changes. In India, home to the world's largest adolescent population, the menstrual experiences of girls vary widely due to socio-economic and cultural factors. This study aims to assess the knowledge and practices of menstrual hygiene management among adolescent girls in a Government Girls Higher Secondary School in Kozhikode. Utilizing a cross-sectional design, data were collected from 93 participants through a self-administered questionnaire. Findings reveal that while awareness of menstruation before menarche was relatively high (68.82%), misconceptions about its physiological nature persist. The majority of girls reported using sanitary pads (89.41%) and experienced menstrual symptoms (77.65%), with absenteeism linked primarily to pain and discomfort. The study underscores the need for enhanced menstrual health education and improved facilities to support adolescent girls in managing menstruation effectively.