Menstrual Knowledge and Biosocial Aspects among the Poumai Adolescents of Manipur, Northeast India

Abstract

Background : Menstrual knowledge, hygiene, and perception are often neglected worldwide, especially in smaller and less developed societies, exposing adolescents to menstrual health hazards. Against the poor communication of menstrual health and hygiene, the present paper attempts to assess the attitude, knowledge, and perceptions towards menstruation among Poumai adolescents of Manipur, Northeast India. Methods : It is a cross-sectional study with data collected from 491 Poumai adolescents through a cross-sectional study using a self-structured schedule on menstrual knowledge. Results : The mean age of the respondents was 17.11 ± 1.33 years. 73.12% of adolescents did not know about menstruation before attaining menarche. Most of the adolescents learned about menstruation from their mothers (39.39%), followed by sisters (29.55%), friends (28.79%), and aunts (2.27%), respectively. The study exhibits a signi fi cant relationship between age, educational quali fi cation, and advanced knowledge about menstruation before menarche and attitude and perception towards menstruation ( < 0.05). The study highlights poor knowledge and awareness about menstruation before menarche among Poumai adolescents. Conclusion : The present study highlights the importance of health communication in reproductive health to minimize stigmas, misconceptions, taboos, and invalid menstruation restrictions. The study seeks the attention of healthcare management, not only in the regional but the whole world, to educate the public about menstrual health and hygiene.