Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of menstrual hygiene among married women in reproductive age group residing in urban slums in Central India : A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Reproductive tract infection, which has become a silent epidemic that devastates women’s life is closely
interrelated with poor menstrual hygiene. The aim and objective of the study was to know the knowledge, attitude and
practice regarding menstrual hygiene among married females. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in urban
field practice area of a tertiary care centre in Central India, involving total 317 married females. Patients were interviewed
on the basis of pretested and preformed questionnaire. Results: In the present study, majority of the study subjects had
good knowledge regarding menstrual hygiene. 98.42% of study subjects had knowledge that lack of menstrual hygiene
can lead to other health problems. 95.90% study subjects agreed that not taking care of hygiene during menstruation can
cause disease.85.8 % study subjects used sanitary pads as choice of menstrual hygiene material and 80 % of study subjects
changed menstrual hygiene material 2 to 3 times a day. Conclusions: Health education and adequate information about
menstruation and menstrual hygiene management should be addressed early on in schools to encourage for timely
screening, awareness regarding menstrual hygiene and effective treatment.