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International Journal of Recent Trends in Science and Technology, ISSN 2277-2812 E-ISSN: 2249-8109

 

Volume 3, Issue 3, 2012 pp 65-70

 

Research Article

 

Assessment of Knowledge and Practices about Menstrual Hygiene amongst Rural and Urban Adolescent Girls �A comparative Study

S.B.Salve1, R.K. Dase2, S.M.Mahajan3 and S.A.Adchitre4

{1Professor, 2Assistant Professor, 3 & 4Associate Professor}, Dept. of Community Medicine, MGM�s Medical College, Aurangabad (MS) INDIA.

Academic Editor:  Dr. Aher K. R.

Abstract

Adolescence is the period of transition from childhood to adulthood, spanning the age between 10 to 19 years. In girls Menarche starts during this period, and girls feel shy to discuss the topic openly, So to assess the knowledge and practices amongst rural and urban adolescent, present study was carried out in Study area comprises  Z.P. High school Ambelohale form rural area and Sharda Mandir Girls High School Aurangabad from Urban area. In the field practice area of MGM Medical College Aurangabad. (M.S.). During the period January 2011 to April 2011. A total of 189 rural and 132 urban girls of 8th to 10th standard were included in this study. Pretested questionnaire was used to collect the information. Post test health Education was given about reproductive health, menstrual hygiene by Gynecologists. Findings were analyzed and statistical   relationship was determined by using chi-square test.

Results:- 93(49%) rural & 94(71%) urban girls had started menarche ,regularities of  menstruation was better in rural girls i.e. 87(94%) compared to urban girls, 53(56%). Percentage of using market available sanitary napkins was more in urban girls 56(60%) compared to rural girls 6 (06%) whereas homemade sanitary napkins were used by 87(94%) rural girls &  38 (40%) urban girls  and this  difference was statistically significant .amongst rural girls ,female teacher was the main source of knowledge 89(47%) while it was  mother in urban area 48(36%).knowledge about  reproductive system, determination of foetal sex, age of marriage etc. was better amongst urban girls. Social taboos like separate sitting, restriction on attending school & social functions were more amongst rural girls while sanitary facilities like attached toilet , full wall bathroom ,sufficient water etc were less in rural areas. Differences came out of study were statistically significant.

Conclusion: - knowledge, practices, sanitary facilities were less amongst rural girl compared to urban girls.

Recommendation:-1) sanitary facilities should made available to each house under NRHM.

2) Sanitary napkins should made available at lowest cost with AWW/ANM/ASHA

3) Health education in small groups of girls, to increase health awareness and healthful practices should be given regularly.