‘Menstruation Awareness Activities’ for Improving the Knowledge, Awareness and Practices Regarding Menstrual Hygiene among Adolescent Girls: A Study Protocol

Abstract

Background: Menstruation is a normal physiological process that indicates the start of reproductive life. But sometimes it’s considered as an impure phenomenon within the Indian society thanks to cultural taboos and insufficient and half-truths and causes unnecessary restrictions within the day to day normal activities of the menstruating girls. During a girl's life cycle, it is recognized as a special time that requires special consideration. During the life of a woman, Menarche may be a crucial biological milestone because it marks the beginning of her life's reproductive process. Usually, the average age at menarche is consistent across cultures, that is, between the ages of 12 and 13. Unfortunately, for women it gets worse because of lack of menstrual preparedness and management skills or because of shyness and embarrassment. This study aims to assess the knowledge and practices of menstrual hygiene management among adolescent girls from rural region of Wardha district. Methods:  This will be a randomized controlled trial that will be conducted in adopted villages of field practice area of Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Wardha. Quantitative data will be collected using a self-administered semi-structured questionnaire. Qualitative data will be collected through focused group discussions (FGD). Pre and post intervention data will be collected and analyzed using SPSS, Appropriate tables and graphs will be prepared, and inferences will be drawn using the Chi-square test and t-test. Results: Significant improvement in knowledge, awareness and practices of maintaining menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls in Wardha district. Conclusion: Proper training and awareness can improve menstrual hygiene related practices in rural areas and assist in improving environmental health as well.