Original Research Article
Year: 2016 | Month: December | Volume: 6 | Issue: 12 | Pages: 21-27
A Study of Menstrual Hygiene Management and College Absenteeism among Female Medical and Dental Students in a University of East India
Ipsa Mohapatra1, Adrija Roy2
1Assistant Professor, 2Post Graduate Student,
Department of Community Medicine, Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
Corresponding Author: Ipsa Mohapatra
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Menstrual Hygiene Management [MHM] has not received attention in reproductive health sectors of developing countries, exposing girls to RTIs. In India, practices are still poorer because of socio-cultural taboos. Doctors’ being the main health care providers, their knowledge helps transform society.
Objectives: To assess the practices of menstrual hygiene among female Medical and Dental undergraduate students in Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences & Kalinga Institute of Dental Sciences. To find associations of MHM practices with regards to their parents’ education, SES, and religion. To assess the effect of menstruation on college absenteeism among them.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from 15thApril-15thJuly, 2016. All students present on the day of data collection and giving consent were included.441students participated; a pretested self-administered, anonymous questionnaire was used. Data was analysed using EpiInfo (3.5.4). Chi-square test was used with p value <0.05 as significant.
Result: 67% were in the age group of 20-24yrs; 57% girls were ignorant about menstruation before menarche. In 80% of students, menstrual habits were inculcated by their mothers.88% used sanitary napkins as absorbent material during menstruation, 96% of whom practiced vaginal washing. 90% of girls experienced premenstrual symptoms. A significant association was found between good menstrual hygiene and participants who had adequate knowledge about menstrual hygiene, parents’ level of education.
Conclusion: Majority of the participants had adequate menstrual hygiene knowledge and practices. Different factors affect menstrual hygiene such as source of information, religion, and prior knowledge. Religious and cultural taboos caused a lot of restrictions in their daily routine.
Key words: Practice, Menstrual Hygiene, Cross-Sectional.