Menstruation and Menstrual Hygiene: Analyzing the Gaps in Knowledge, Perception and Practices in a Rural Area of North East India.

Abstract

Menstruation is a natural and essential biological process that affects adolescent girls' physical, emotional, and social well-being. In many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), menstruation is surrounded by misconceptions and inadequate management practices. This study aims to assess the knowledge, perceptions, and practices regarding menstruation and menstrual hygiene among school-going adolescent girls in North East India. The study employed a cross-sectional design and was conducted over a period of one year in schools which were randomly selected under the Kamalpur block of Kamrup district of Assam. Data were collected through an awareness program using a pre-tested proforma. A total of 176 adolescent girls who had attained menarche participated. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests. The mean age of participants was 14.00 years, and the mean age at menarche was 11.89 years. A significant portion, 60% (106 girls), were well aware of the menstruation process, while 40% (70 girls) lacked adequate knowledge. Most participants (72.2%) reported always having access to menstrual materials. Concerns about leakage and disposal were highly prevalent, with 64.2% sometimes worrying about leakage and 67.0% about disposal. Cramps were the most common menstrual problem (63.1%). The majority (93.2%) used sanitary pads, while 3.4% used cloth or a combination. Disposal methods varied, with 47.2% using dustbins and 36.9% burying the pads. Chi-square tests indicated no significant association between the type of menstrual material used and menstrual problems (χ² =8.012, P = 0.628). This study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions and educational programs to address menstrual hygiene challenges. Future studies should explore longitudinal data and broader geographical scopes to enhance menstrual health management.