IJFANS International Journal of Food and Nutritional Sciences

ISSN PRINT 2319-1775 Online 2320-7876

Menstrual hygiene knowledge, attitudes, and practices among college students in Mohanpur, West Tripura, India: A cross-sectional study

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Prasanta Deb

Abstract

It is important to follow safe hygienic practices during menstruation, such as washing the genital area and using hygienic sanitary napkins. Aims and objectives: The purpose of this study is to assess the awareness level, practices, and attitudes of college students in West Tripura regarding menstrual hygiene.Materials and Method: In Mohanpur, West Tripura, 100 college girls participated in a cross-sectional study. Simple proportions and Chi-square tests were used to analyze the data collected by a pretested questionnaire. Result : Menstruation was untaught to 32 percent of girls before menarche. The mean age of menarche is 13 years, ranging from 10 to 16 years. 66% of students reported their mothers taught them menstrual habits, 53% used sanitary napkins or a similar absorbent material during their menstrual cycle, and 47% washed their genital areas regularly. Premenstrual symptoms were reported by 83% of girls, 70% of whom had regular periods. The myths surrounding menstruation have affected 77% of girls. Menstrual restrictions were enforced on 82% of girls. Conclusion : Developing countries like India need to strengthen their menstrual management programs. A combination of educational television programs, health personnel awareness programs, and government and non-governmental organizations intervention is required.

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