Authors : Jayashree Tirpude, Manoj Bangadkar, Shadma Quazi
Page Nos : 50-58
Description :
Awareness about menstruation and hygiene related practices are of consideration importance as it has health impact in terms of increased vulnerability to reproductive tract infection and its complications in Indian females. To assess knowledge about menstruation and related hygiene practices may help in mitigating the suffering of millions of women. This study is based on questionnaire method which is a cross sectional study. A pre-designed, pretested and structured questionnaire was used in the study. The data collection technique was a personal interview of the study subjects. Prepared questionnaire randomly distributed amongst 108 women of age between 10-50 years of North east Vidharba region belonging to different religions of India. Primary and secondary data collection in consultation with medical experts in the form of questionnaire was prepared. It was examined for its relevance by using published literature. Majority of women of study area (83.96) think that hormones is a cause of menstruation and negligible percentages (0.94) think about the curse of god is a cause of menstruation. About (12) of women does not aware about the cause of menstruation. Among all the subjects (61.32) were having awareness of menarche. About half of the respondents were aware regarding menopause. A total of (48.11) of respondents have a good knowledge of normal duration of menstrual cycle and (55.66) know the 4-5 days is the normal duration of bleeding. Only (35.84) subjects know that uterus is the actual source of menstrual bleeding. Majority (86.79) of the respondents use sanitary pads as an absorbent during period of menstruation and (30.18) use old cloths. Most of the respondents (46.22) clean used cloth with the help of soap and water. Approximately (69.81) women restricted to do homehold activity, (50.60) restricted to social activity and (1.88) restricted to visit holy places. Knowledge and awareness about menstruation, proper menstrual hygiene and correct perception can protect the women from suffering and reproductive tract infections. So also this study shows various myths and taboos associated with menstruation in our society.
