Menstrual Health and Hygiene Practices among the Rural and Urban Adolescents of West Bengal, India

Abstract

The present study is an endeavor to focus on the menstrual health and hygiene practices among the rural and urban adolescent girls of West Bengal. A total number of 190 adolescent girls(Rural-75; Urban-115) aged 11 to 19 years were apparently selected to participate in the study. Rural and urban adolescent girls differed significantly (p ≤ 0.05) with respect to mean cycle length, nature of discharge, change of absorbent and premenstrual symptoms. Some menstrual hygiene indices like absorbent used, bath type and frequency, cleaning of external genital (materials used and frequency), change of pads in school and place of its disposal have shown a significant difference between the rural and urban girls. Thus, menstrual health and hygiene practices differ significantly between the rural and urban adolescents. Various factors resolute the menstrual characteristics and behaviors of the rural and urban adolescent girls. However, awareness regarding healthy menstrual practices is indispensable. Therefore, comprehensive education programme should be augmented on menstrual health and hygiene practices