Knowledge, Attitude and Practice regarding Menstrual Hygiene among Adolescent Girls of Rural Community in Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Menstruation is a biological process in female adolescence. The management of menstrual hygiene refers to the utilization of sanitary products to manage menstruation, and  absorb the menstrual blood of female adolescence on a monthly basis. Girls in developing countries face challenges in effectively handling menstruation due to the absence of essential “WASH” (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) facilities, adequate knowledge, a conducive setting, and necessary assistance. This, in turn, impacts their fundamental human rights to education, health, and privacy

Objective: The current study was conducted to assess knowledge, attitude and practice of menstrual hygiene among female adolescent of rural community in Lahore, Pakistan.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study with a community focus was done. A structured questionnaire designed to gather data, covering participants' demographic characteristics as well as their knowledge, practice, and attitude regarding menstruation hygiene. The data has been analysed with Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20 and descriptive statistics were performed.

Results: In the current study, majority of participants (99%) having knowledge that menstruation is a normal biological process  for a female adolescence. In relation to the utilization of commercially manufactured sanitary pads as absorbents during menstruation, (45%) participants indicated their preference for commercially made sanitary pads, whereas the remaining participants (55%) stated that they do not use them.

Conclusion: The majority of the respondents had good knowledge, attitude, and practice of hygiene during menstruation, although a minority of them still have poor practice. The healthcare industry should assume a more significant role in promoting awareness about0 menstrual hygiene