Abstract

Context: Menstruation is part of the female reproductive cycle that starts when girls become sexually mature. Studies have revealed a huge gap in the knowledge, attitude and practices of adolescent girls, regarding menstruation. Aims: To study the psycho-social behaviour during menstruation among rural and urban adolescent girls, to get an insight of practices and identify the challenges encountered by them because of menstruation. Settings and Design: A community-based, descriptive, cross-sectional study, conducted in the rural and urban field practice areas of a medical college. Methods and Material: The study was conducted among adolescent girls 10-19 years of age, residing in the rural and urban field practice areas of a medical college. Data was collected in the form of personal particulars, anthropometric measurements and an examiner administered questionnaire. Statistical analysis used: Data was analysed using EpiInfo. Results: Mean age of study population was 16.9±1.75 years. Majority of girls attained menarche at 12 to 13 years of age. Comparatively more number of girls residing in urban area attained menarche at a younger age. All the girls from urban area used branded sanitary napkins available in market, while only 46.66% of the rural girls used these.Conclusions: Based on the findings of this study and analysis of the findings, we realise that this age group needs to be targeted, in order to encourage the girls to resort to good menstrual hygiene and bring about a positive change in their psychosocial behaviour and that of their families and community

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