An Insight to Menstrual Hygiene and Practices among Adolescent Girls Age above 15 Years in Tangalle Educational

Abstract

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Menstruation is an important occasions for girls in Asian region and there are major challenges. Adolescent reproductive health is greatly influenced by various myths, beliefs and attitude toward menstruation. The objective was to describe menstrual hygiene and practices among 384 adolescent girls over 15 years in a selected school in Tangalle Educational division. A descriptive cross-sectional study was done using pre tested structured interviewer administered questionnaire among postmenarchal school girls. Data was analyzed by using SPSS. Mean age o f menarche was 12.5 ± 1.265 SD. Most (53.6% ) o f students were had idea about menstruation before menarche. Majority (82%) of students shared first menstrual experience with their mother. Most (80%) stated they were confused and frightened at menarche. Majority (67%) o f students mentioned cleansing o f womb and release of bad blood were the reason for menstruation. Most correctly mentioned (63.5%) the two hormones are contributing to menstruation. Most stated (66.4%) that oil and fat containing food and dealing with men (53%) should be avoided during Menstruation. More than half (56.6%) restricted food and religious activities. Majority (96.1% ) mentioned perineal area should be washed during every napkin change and most had (77%) changed sanitary napkins more than three times per day and (90.4%) wash hands after each napkin change. More than 37% o f students disposed sanitary items by burning w hile 22.1% put in to latrine. Due to some cultural and religious restrictions, and also lack of appropriate and sufficient information regarding menstrual hygiene, adolescent girls are practicing incorrect and unhealthy behaviors during menstrual period.