A community based cross sectional study on menstrual hygiene among 18-45 years age women in a rural area of Delhi

Abstract

Context: Menstruation is the process that needs to be managed socially. If it is not managed properly it may interrupt the social expectations. Aims: To study knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding menstrual hygiene among women of 18-45 years age residing in a rural area. Settings and Design: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 350 women of 18-45 years age residing in rural area of Delhi, Barwala. Methods and Material: Study was conducted by house-to-house visit using systematic random sampling. A pre-tested semi- structured questionnaire containing seven questions regarding knowledge and eight questions each pertaining to attitude and practices regarding menstrual hygiene was used. A five point Likert scale was used to assess responses regarding attitude questions. Statistical analysis used: Data was collected, compiled, processed and analysed by SPSS software version 17. Results: Largest proportion of women belonged to the age group of 21-30 years. Primary informant regarding menstruation was mother for 46.6% women. More than two-thirds of women were scared at time of their first menstruation. Only 53.7% women were using sanitary pads. All personal hygiene practices were found to be satisfactory in almost 90% of women. Statistically significant association was seen between knowledge and socio-economic status and literacy status of the study participants. Similarly significant association was also seen between womens socio-economic status and their attitude and practices. Conclusions: Women need to be educated about MHM, significance of menstruation and use of satisfactory absorbent material so as to enable them to lead a healthy reproductive life.