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Knowledge, attitude and practices related to menstruation among adolescent girls in Chennai

Background: Adolescence in girls is a special period which signifies the transition from girlhood to womanhood. Lack of good hygienic practices has increased the vulnerability to reproductive tract infections. Due to societal attitude, girls also associate a variety of negative physical and psychological changes on their body with menstruation. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, practices and attitude related to menstruation. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out among 500 school going adolescent girls. A pre-tested questionnaire was administered to the study population after obtaining written consent. Results: In our study 69% of the girls attained menarche at 11 to 13 years; 40 % of the girls knew about menstruation before menarche with mother being the informant in 47.7% of the subjects. Most of the girls felt scared on first menstruation (59%). All the girls in the study practised one restriction or the other. Conclusions: The study has highlighted the needs of the adolescents to have accurate and adequate information about menstruation and its appropriate management. Immense efforts are needed to curb myths about menstruation among the adolescent school going girls.