Health and Hygienic Condition among Adolescent Girls of Khadia Tribe: A Study in Mayurbhanj District of Odisha, India

Abstract

Adolescent girls in rural and tribal communities may encounter challenges related to menstrual knowledge, hygienic practices and reproductive-health awareness. This study examined the health and hygiene conditions of adolescent girls belonging to the Khadia community in Mayurbhanj district, Odisha. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed. Data were collected from 100 respondents who had attained menarche using a structured questionnaire and summarised using frequencies and percentages. Of the respondents, 45% reported menarche before the age of 10 years, while 70% had not received information about menstruation before menarche. Friends and peers were the most frequently reported information source (37%), followed by teachers (30%). Sanitary pads were used by 49% of respondents, both cloth and pads by 28%, and cloth alone by 23%. Although 50% reported changing menstrual materials more than once daily, disposal practices varied, including disposal in rivers, open areas and forest settings. Inadequate awareness of reproductive health and menstrual hygiene was reported by 80%. Stomach pain was the most frequently reported menstrual symptom (35%), and irregular menstruation the most frequently reported health problem (30%). Various restrictions related to menstruation were reported, although only 5% regarded menstruation as impure. The findings indicate gaps in menstrual preparedness and reproductive-health awareness within the study group. Age-appropriate education, reliable counselling and context-sensitive support for menstrual hygiene may help address these needs.