Original Research Article
Year: 2018 | Month: June | Volume: 8 | Issue: 6 | Pages: 259-265
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Regarding Menstruation among Adolescents Girls of Balda Village, Koraput District, Odisha
Sai Soumya Swain1, Jayanta Kumar Nayak2
1M.Sc. in Anthropology, 2Assistant Professor,
Department of Anthropology, Central University of Orissa, Koraput, Odisha-764021, India
ABSTRACT
Background: Adolescence is a transition period from childhood to adult life. It is characterized by pubertal development and sexual maturation, thus making physiological development a challenge for the adolescents. There is a substantial lacuna in the knowledge towards menstruation among adolescent girls. Menstrual hygiene and management is a serious issue, which is insufficiently acknowledged and has not received adequate attention. Most of the adolescent girls have experienced some problems associated with menstruation, which might indirectly have in their academic excellence, sports and their self-esteem.
Objective: This study aims to assess the knowledge and practices regarding menstruation among adolescent girls.
Methods: A mixed method study was carried out among 29 adolescents Girls of Balda village of Koraput district, Odisha.
Results: Out of total girls interviewed, 30% of the girls had some idea regarding menarche and associated precaution. 70% of girls came to know about it only after attaining menarche. Dysmenorrhea was the most common problem faced during menstruation. They were being restricted in all types of holy works. They were not allowed to touch male persons during menstruation. 31.6% girls used sanitary napkins. Adolescent girls and their family members were still sacrificing animals to prevent any health issues regarding menstruation. 20% respondents preferred to go to the hospital.
Conclusion: It was clear that the adolescent girls are not aware of menstruation and maintenance of proper health and hygiene. For the enhancement of the knowledge regarding menstruation and related health problems, regular awareness programmes should conducted with the help of ASHA worker, Anganwadi worker and others.
Key words: Knowledge, Menstrual Hygiene, Restrictions, Traditional Practices.