STUDY ON USAGE OF WOMAN HYGIENE KIT AMONG MENSTRUATING AGE GROUP IN FIELD PRACTICE AREA OF KIMS, HUBLI

Abstract

Background:- Menstruation is a normal physiology in females. Poor hygiene during menstruation has been associated with serious ill-health ranging from reproductive tract infections ,urinary tract infections and bad odour.² Unhealthy menstrual practices are not washing genitalia regularly, using unclean cloth. Learning about Menstrual hygiene forms a vital aspect of Health education among menstruating women to avoid future long term ill effects of unhealthy menstrual practices leading to Toxic Shock Syndrome, Premature births, Stillbirths, Miscarriages, Infertility problems, Carcinoma cervix as a complication of recurrent Reproductive tract Infections. Objectives:- 1) To study Menstrual hygiene practice in Menstruating Women of Urban-Slums, . 2) To assess Knowledge and Beliefs among Menstruating Women. . Materials and methodology :- A study was conducted on 100 menstruating women of the age group between 15-45 yrs, present at the time of data collection with pretested Questionnaire and by personal interview technique. Results/ Conclusions :- The women (91%) had no awareness of menstruation before menarche. 75% women considered menstruation as a Mythical process. 79% of women used Cloth during menstruation in contrast to only 21% using sanitary pad. Prevalence of Reproductive Tract Infection and Urinary Tract Infection was more among cloth users.