A cross sectional study on menstruation and menstrual hygiene among medical students of Valsad, Gujarat

Authors

  • Hinaben R. Patel Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, GMERS Medical College, Valsad, Gujarat, India
  • Ravikant R. Patel Department of Community Medicine, GMERS Medical College, Valsad, Gujarat, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20164331

Keywords:

Medical student, Menstrual hygiene, Menarche, Sanitary napkin

Abstract

Background: In many developing countries, a culture of silence surrounds the topic of menstruation and menstruation related issues, as results many young girls lack appropriate and sufficient information regarding menstruation and menstrual hygiene. This may result in incorrect and unhealthy behavior during their menstrual period So, Good hygienic practices such as the use of sanitary pads and adequate washing of genital area are essential during menstruation.

Methods: A cross sectional study conducted among medical students of GMERS Medical College, Valsad. A total 203 girls of first, second and third MBBS medical students between age group of 16-22 years were participated in this study. Data was collected by using pre-designed, pre-tested Questionnaire. The data was entered and analyzed by using Microsoft excel 2010 and appropriate statistical test were applied.

Results: Out of 203 Girls 84.24% girls had knowledge about menstruation before they experienced first menstruation (menarche) and Mother was found to be the main source of information. Mean age of menarche was 14.5 years.  86.70% girls use sanitary napkins where as 13.3% girls use clothes and reuse them. Most of the girls perceive that sanitary napkin is comfortable and cause adequate absorption but having disadvantage of an expensive and not being easily available at all places.

Conclusions: Menstrual hygiene is a vital aspect of health education for all adolescent girls as it related with health consequences. More number of girls in the urban area was using commercially available sanitary pads as compare to the rural girls. To improve the menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls sanitary napkins should be made universally available at affordable price.

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Published

2016-12-07

Issue

Section

Original Research Articles