A Study on Menstrual Hygiene and Dysmenorrhea of Adolescent Girls in a Rural Population of West Bengal

Background: Learning about hygiene during menstruation is a vital aspect of health education for adolescent girls, as patterns that are developed in adolescence are likely to persist into adult life. Studies related to these aspects among the rural population are still scanty. With this in view this study was undertaken. Objectives: To find out the prevalence of dysmenorrhoea, its severity and practice of menstrual hygiene among the adolescent girls. Methods: A rural hospital based cross sectional study. 86 adolescent girls, attending the Adolescent Clinic during the study period, were included in the study and data was collected by interview method using a pre designed semi structured schedule. Analysis was done using MS Excel 2010 and Epi Info 7. P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Most of the girls were student (56.9%) and belonged to poor socio-economic group (69.7%) . 61.2% girls attained menarche at 14 years and 48.3% experienced dysmenorrhoea and the pain is mild in nature (40.4%). 61.6% were aware about menstruation before menarche and the informant were mothers (60.4%). 41.8% girls used sanitary pads and discarded (63.9%) thereafter. Conclusion: Health communication regarding menstruation and other issues of reproductive health is recommended.