Title: Menstruation and Menstrual Hygiene Practices in Rural Haryana, India: A Population based KAP Study

Abstract

Menarche, which marks the start of the reproductive stage of life, is the most important biological event in a girl's life. Menstruation is still stigmatised upon especially in developing countries including India despite being a normal cycle for women. Women are at risk for developing genital infections due to poor menstrual hygiene due to lack of knowledge on menstrual hygiene. Objective: The present study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices on menstruation and menstrual hygiene in rural Haryana, India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among students attending schools and colleges in Budhera and adjoining villages of Haryana, India. Predesigned questionnaire for data collection included information on demographic variables, knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding menstruation and menstrual practices. Results: A total of 500 female and 250 male students were included in the present study. The female participants' KAP about menstruation and menstrual hygiene varied by age. One third used sanitary pads during menstruation and majority of them used old clothes. More than one third revealed that they changed the absorbent once a day. Among the male study participants, more than half of them had brief knowledge about menstruation. However, 98% had still adamant that women should not enter a religious place or should not touch a cow during menstruation. Conclusion: Inadequate menstrual hygiene practice and existence of menstrual taboos should be prevented by sensitising the public on menstruation and promote public health knowledge among female students.