AWARENESS ABOUT MENSTRUAL HYGIENE AMONG ADOLESCENT GIRLS IN RURAL AREA OF KANCHEEPURAM DISTRICT –TAMIL NADU

Abstract

Research Question: How the menstrual hygiene practices among rural adolescent girls were performed?   Rural area under rural health training centre of Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Padappai, Kancheepuram District,Tamilnadu.  A community based cross sectional study.  Participants: 180 adolescent girls Padappai comprises about 4 schools of which 3 private schools and one government school. Permission was obtained from government school and all the students from age group 11 to 16 were taken as study sample.  Results: Age ranged from 11 to 16 years for attainment of menarche. Only 43.33% girls were aware regarding menstruation prior to the attainment of menarche. Mother was found to be the first source of information regarding menstruation in 57.69% of girls. 35.55% girls reported use of old cloth for protection during menstruation. 77.77% girls were restricted to attend religious occasions during menstruation.