Improving Menstrual Hygiene Management in School Going Adolescent Girls: Experience from Charutar Region of Gujarat, India

Gohel, Manisha Kalpesh; Phatak, Ajay

doi:10.24321/2349.2880.201912

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 23 publications

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“…2 The findings of the present study were very similar to different studies on Indian rural women. [15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25]…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prevalence of hygiene awareness during menstruation period among rural women of West Bengal, India

Bera,

Adhikari

2024

Int J Community Med Public Health

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Background: Menstruation is a physiological process of women. Reproductive infection during the menstrual period is a common phenomenon in women in rural areas of India. The present study was conducted to find out the prevalence of hygiene awareness in rural women of West Bengal. Methods: Fifty rural women from the West Medinipur District of West Bengal were studied. Questioner methods were followed to know the knowledge, attitude, and practice towards menstruation hygiene. Results: Proper knowledge of menstruation was absent in a large number of women but a large number of women (80%) took care of their hygiene during menstrual periods. 70% of women agreed to maintain personal hygiene to prevent reproductive-related diseases. 44% of women had a positive attitude towards the cleanness of genital areas with clean water whereas 56% of women did not show any interest. 96% of women change sanitary pads for 2-4 times a day to maintain menstrual hygiene. For disposing of used sanitary pads, 80% of women use home garbage areas whereas 20% of women use open fields outside the home. Conclusions: From the above study it could be concluded that hygiene awareness during the menstruation period among rural women of West Bengal, India is not satisfactory. Educational intervention is required.

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“…2 The findings of the present study were very similar to different studies on Indian rural women. [15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25]…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prevalence of hygiene awareness during menstruation period among rural women of West Bengal, India

Bera,

Adhikari

2024

Int J Community Med Public Health

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Policy to Practice: Insights from Implementation of a School-Based Sanitary Napkin Distribution Program in Odisha, India

Desaraju,

Panda,

Panigrahy

et al. 2024

Preprint

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Background For optimal menstrual hygiene among women and adolescent girls, access to affordable menstrual products, sanitation facilities, education, privacy, and destigmatization are essential. Recognizing this need, the Indian government has implemented various interventions to improve menstrual hygiene practices and personal hygiene among schoolgirls. In Odisha, an easternmost state in India, one such key initiative is the ‘Khushi’ program, a collaboration between the Health and Education departments. This program provides free sanitary napkins to all girls in standards 6–12 across the state. Our study explores the perspectives and challenges associated with implementing the ‘Khushi’ program in Odisha. Methodology : This paper emanates from a larger study examining the situation of menstrual health and hygiene in Odisha, conducted from September 2021 to December 2022. The focus of this paper is on qualitative findings related to implementation of the ‘Khushi’ program. In-depth interviews were conducted with key stakeholders, including officials from health and education departments, and school personnel involved in program implementation. Focus group discussions were held with schoolgirls of 6–12 standard to explore their experiences and perceived challenges regarding menstrual hygiene practices within the school environment. Further, review of program documents and relevant government policies was also undertaken. Results Analysis of data concerning experiences, enablers, and systemic roadblocks associated with implementing the ‘Khushi’ program yielded five key themes: (1) Approach to micro-planning, (2) Interdepartmental convergence, (3) Indenting and supply chain, (4) Capacity building, and (5) Monitoring and supervision. The study underscores the importance of designing and implementing a comprehensive behavior change strategy, that should capitalize on the existing collaboration between the health and education departments, while addressing identified weaknesses. These weaknesses include 'knee-jerk' planning and implementation without proper preparedness, limited coordination between departments, and overburdened frontline workers. Conclusion ‘Khushi’ is a state-specific initiative which has the potential to bring a paradigm shift in the menstrual health behaviour of school girls. Government may need to adapt a comprehensive strategy, including strengthening menstrual hygiene management (MHM)-friendly school infrastructure, imparting education and sensitization to implementing partners and beneficiaries alike, and integrating environment-friendly menstrual hygiene products in the program.

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Improving Menstrual Hygiene Management in School Going Adolescent Girls: Experience from Charutar Region of Gujarat, India

Cited by 2 publications

References 23 publications

Prevalence of hygiene awareness during menstruation period among rural women of West Bengal, India

Prevalence of hygiene awareness during menstruation period among rural women of West Bengal, India

Policy to Practice: Insights from Implementation of a School-Based Sanitary Napkin Distribution Program in Odisha, India

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