Determinants of menstrual hygiene among adolescent school girls in a rural area of Patna, Bihar, India: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Adolescence is a transitional phase marked by the onset of menarche. Most adolescent girls have incomplete or inaccurate information about menstrual physiology and hygiene. There are several misconceptions and taboos linked with it, resulting in adverse health outcomes. However, numerous factors associated with menstrual hygiene are modifiable. If these are adequately identified and addressed, it can empower young girls to lead healthy life in a positive environment. Aims and Objectives: (1) To assess the knowledge and practices regarding menstrual hygiene among adolescent school girls. (2) To determine the association of menstrual hygiene practices with sociodemographic and related factors. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in rural Patna, Bihar, in which 300 eligible adolescent school-going menstruating girls (13-17 years) were recruited from four schools. They were interviewed using a predesigned questionnaire, and relevant information on sociodemographic profiles and menorrhoeal characteristics was obtained. Median scores were calculated for the knowledge and practices domain. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the associated factors of menstrual hygiene practice. Results: The mean age of girls was 14 ± 1.07 years, while the mean age of menarche was 12.37 ± 0.92 years. More than half (59.3%) were found to possess good knowledge (scores 7 and above) regarding menstruation and its physiology. Half (50.3%) of the girls had good menstrual hygiene practices (scores 9 and above). Multiple logistic regression model revealed that adolescent girls studying in government schools (AOR = 0.05, CI = 0.02-0.12) and those living in nuclear families (AOR = 0.05, CI = 0.02-0.12) were likely to be significantly associated with poor menstrual hygiene practices. Conclusion: Menstrual hygiene is still far from satisfactory; hence, it should be a vital aspect of the school health educational curriculum. There is an imperative need to design acceptable awareness/advocacy programs for adolescent girls in the future.