Awareness and Attitude of Young Girls in Urban Slums of Bhopal to Menstruation –A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Stigma, shame and lack of awareness on menstruation has curbed progress. Addressing this basic physiological process and strategic planning to conquer the obstacles by both genders can lead to a breakthrough. Statistics reflect that menstrual hygiene practices need to be addressed in Bhopal. So, the study was conducted to explore the attitude and knowledge of girls of urban slums of Bhopal to menstruation including their hygiene practices.
Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescent girls of urban slums of Bhopal with a pre-formed questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS 22.0.
Results: Total 68.2% (p=0.007) stated that they used sanitary pads. 67.1% (p=0.032) claimed that they disposed the napkins in closed bins. Logistic regression analysis yielded a positive prediction in the role of mother’s educational status with knowledge of the girls regarding menstruation (p=.001).
Conclusion: Central India needs to focus on improved measures towards female reproductive health by ensuring easy availability of absorbents and education on hygiene.