MENSTRUAL PATTERN AND PRACTICES OF MENSTRUAL HYGIENE AMONG ADOLESCENT GIRLS AND YOUNG WOMEN RESIDES IN RURAL AREA OF CENTRAL INDIA, REWA DISTRICT OF MP

*Amita Singh, Arpita Singh, Vivek Pandey, Prabhakar Singh and Vandana Dubey

ABSTRACT

Menstruation is a natural and normal biological process experienced by all adolescent girls and women in reproductive age. Aim & Objectives: The aim of study is to determine the patterns of menstruation and awareness about menstrual hygiene and other aspects of menstruation in rural areas. Material and Methods: In this crosssectional study, total 171 participants were enrolled; the desired information’s were collected by personal interview with a self designed questionnaire. Statistically data were analyzed by using Microsoft Office Excel sheet 2007 and expressed in form of number and percentage. Results: Age of menarche in majority of participants 79 (46.19%) between 12-13 years; menstrual cycles were irregular in 42 (24.56%) subjects. 117 (68.42%) females reported 3-5 days blood flow during menstruation, 24 (14.03%) less than 3 days and 30 (17.54%) had ≥ 5 days of menstruation. 12 (7.01%) girls reported scanty blood loss, 135 (78.94%) medium blood flow and 24 (14.03%) heavy blood flow, length of cycle was shorter than <21 days in 36 (21.05%), between 21-35 days in 123 (71.93%) and longer than 35 days in 12 (7.01%). PMS were present in 113 (66.08%) and dysmenorrhea in 64 (37.42%) females. 18 (10.52%) had poor personal hygiene; 36 (21.05%) participants used sanitary pads, 104 (60.81%) had history of social withdrawal during menstruation.100% participants were restricted to inter in the temple and prayers the god, 99 (57.89%) avoided to touch the pickles. Conclusion: The significant number of participants had irregular menstrual cycles, abnormal duration of blood flow and abnormal amount of blood loss during menstruation. PMS and dysmenorrheal are most common menstrual disorder. Hence these females need improvements in terms of knowledge and awareness about menstrual hygiene and other aspects of menstruation.

Keywords: Menstrual patterns, Menstrual Hygiene, Premenstrual symptoms (PMS), Dysmenorrhea.