Onset of menstruation is one of the most important changes occurring during adolescence. In various parts of India, there are several cultural traditions, myths and misconceptions related to menstruation, which make them vulnerable to genital tract infections. To understand the perceptions, source of information and status of menstrual hygiene a cross-sectional study was carried out amongst 300 school going adolescent girls (10-19 yrs) in the rural area of Wardha district, Maharashtra, India.Majority of the girls received the information regarding menstruation from their mothers (41%), followed by Media (24%) and friends (19%). Of the girls who developed genital tract infections, 66% used cloth. 37% girls do not disclose about their menstruation. Cleanliness of external genitalia was unsatisfactory. Hence it is important to educate the girls with scientific knowledge and dispelling their myths and misconceptions thereby encouraging safe and hygienic practices for safeguarding themselves against various infections.

Introduction: The chances of food contamination largely depend on the health status of food handlers & their hygiene behaviors and practices. Often these food handlers are appointed without proper health examination. The present study was conducted to assess health status of food handlers working in food establishment nearby a medical institute. Material & methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on randomly selected 160 food handlers of both sexes. Stool examination and nail culture was also done. Result: There was no registration of these food establishments. Most of the food handlers were young in age, mostly cooks (35.62 %) and literate (63.13 %). Point prevalence of morbidity was 54 (33.75%) and period prevalence 26.25 %. 21.87 % were anemic. www.ccsenet.org/gjhs