Alleviation: An International Journal of Nutrition, Gender & Social Development, ISSN 2348-9340
Volume 4, Number 4 (2017), 1-9
© Arya PG College, Panipat & Business Press India Publication, Delhi
www.aryapgcollege.com
Study of Menstrual Hygiene among Adolescent Girls of Government Aided Schools of Hathras
Introduction
Good menstrual hygiene is crucial for the health, education and dignity of girls and women. This is an important sanitation issue, which has long been in the closet and there was a long standing need to openly discuss it. In several cultures, there are (cultural and/or religious) taboos concerning blood menstruating girls and women and menstrual hygiene. Various diseases such as Reproductive Tract Infection(RTI), Urinary Tract Infection(UTI), irritation, leucorrhoea discharge and pelvic infection can be reduced considerably by good hygiene.
Equipping adolescent girls with adequate information and skills on menstrual hygiene and its management, is seen as empowering them with knowledge, which enhances their self-esteem and academic performance; it will be an indirect support to gender equality (Therese 2011).
Due to lack of information on managing menstruation and absence of affordable sanitary napkins, poor women are forced to use rags, chaff (bhusa) or ash during the menstrual cycle (Pandit 2011). To educate the grassroots workers and build awareness on menstrual health, some efforts are being carried out by the government, non-government agencies at national and international level. 28th May was declared as World Menstrual Hygiene Day (MHD) as on 28th May, 2014, it was initiated by German based NGO (Non Government Organization) Wash United in 2014, supported by 270 global partners including India.
To maintain good hygiene, affordable sanitary napkins are sold by agencies like Johnson and Johnson, Red Cross Kuteer Udyog, Vrindavan and Royal Hygiene Care (P) Ltd. at the rate of rupees 10 for 8 napkins. These are distributed by ANM in the villages or in the schools.
Keeping the above Facts in Mind, the Study was conducted with the Following Objectives:
- • To study menstrual knowledge and practice of school going girls.
- • To administer the module to counsel about menstrual hygiene.
Material and Methods
The present study was a cross sectional study and was conducted among the adolescent school girls of Government aided schools of Hathras namely Aadarsh Inter College, Navipur and Mahatma Gandhi Inter College, Vidhypati Nagar, Hathras. Hundred girls from the above mentioned schools of class 9th and 10th were selected. Pre designed pre - tested and self-structured questionnaire with close ended and open ended questions. After taking the permission from the authority of school (Management President), the principals of schools were contacted and explained the purpose of study, then class teachers of the above- mentioned classes were contacted. The study was carried out in a class room in the absence of male students and teachers. Rapport was built up with the students and verbal consent was obtained from them. Questionnaire was given to the students and method of completing the questionnaire was explained. After a week of the collection of questionnaires, menstrual hygiene was explained to the respondents and they were encouraged to ask queries, all their queries were answered by the researcher. It took about one month (6th Oct 2016-4th Nov 2016) of time.Data obtained were collected and analysed statistically by simple proportions.
Results and Discussion
The study shows that 84 per cent girls were Hindu and 16 per cent were Muslims and mostly Muslim girls were from big family. More than half (62%) were from general caste, 30 per cent were from backward and 8 per cent were from schedule caste. Majority (82%) were from low socio-economic status and their families had average income less than Rs. 5000 per month. The age of menstruating girls ranged from 12-16 years with majority (72%) of girls beingbetween 13 and 14 years of age group. All the girls knew the fact that menstruation is the physiological process and is due to hormonal changes
Conclusion
Girls knew a little bit about the menstruation cycle from their mother or family members but they were not told anything specific about menstruation, especially the physiological basics, for example: from where the menstrual flow comes and for how many days it will be. This is the condition of school going adolescent girls of Western UP district where all welfare schemes were launched first by the Government. We can imagine what will be the condition of BIMARUO state’s village where water and other public facilities are beyond the reach of general public. So, there is a need to educate the girls about this natural phenomenon (menstrual cycle) and ways to maintain good menstrual hygiene. This education should be given in school by the teacher at different levels, firstly at the pre -adolescent age (Puberty), when the girls are in 8th class and secondly, when the girls are in 9th or 10th class. This will ensure that menarche will not be a shocking or fearful event (UNICEF 2014). Health education campaign should target young girls in schools or elsewhere like anganwari, in slum areas.
References
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