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Menstrual hygiene in school going girls: a survey study

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Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Menstrual hygiene in school going girls: a survey study
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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Original source:

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Author(s):

Varsha Makapur, Pooja Rathod, Marjeena Nadaf, Parveen Nadaf, Mamata Y.Khatawkar*, Suvarna P. Nidagundi
D.G.M.Ayurvedic Medical College, Hospital and Postgraduate Studies Research Center, Gadag, Karnataka.


Ayushdhara:

(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)

Full text available for: Menstrual hygiene in school going girls: a survey study

Year: 2019

Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Menstruation is a natural physiological process for females, yet societal stigma and misconceptions persist, often hindering open discussions on menstrual health. This study aimed to investigate menstrual hygiene practices among adolescent girls in the Gadag district of Karnataka, India. Conducted in January and February with a sample of 150 school-going girls aged 14-16, the survey sought to understand their knowledge and practices regarding menstruation while addressing the impact of diet, yoga, and meditation during this phase.

Awareness and Practices of Menstrual Hygiene

The study revealed that a significant number of adolescent girls (62%) were aware of menstruation before their first occurrence (menarche). Most girls (80%) attained menarche between the ages of 12 and 14, and 84% reported regular menstrual cycles. Although 115 of the 150 girls used sanitary pads, a notable 25 still opted for cloth, indicating a need for further education about hygienic practices. Alongside the physical aspects of menstrual health, dietary habits were highlighted as crucial factors influencing menstrual well-being, with many girls consuming a mixed diet rich in spicy and oily foods, which could affect their overall health during menstruation.

Physical and Emotional Discomfort During Menstrual Cycles

Physical and emotional discomforts were prevalent among the girls surveyed, with 61% reporting issues before their menstrual cycle, including abdominal cramps and low back pain. During menstruation, symptoms such as fatigue, headache, and emotional disturbances like depression and irritability were also common. These discomforts underscore the importance of addressing not just hygiene but also lifestyle factors such as diet and stress management. The study also emphasized the value of yoga and meditation as beneficial practices to alleviate premenstrual and menstrual symptoms.

Conclusion

The findings highlight that while menstrual hygiene practices among adolescents were generally satisfactory, there is a pressing need for comprehensive education on menstruation. Such education should encompass proper hygiene techniques, dietary recommendations, and the advantages of yoga and meditation. Schools should incorporate reproductive health education into their curriculum to dispel myths and eliminate societal restrictions associated with menstruation. Empowering girls with knowledge and support can foster healthier attitudes toward menstrual health, thereby improving their overall well-being and confidence.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is the focus of the study on menstrual hygiene?

The study focused on assessing menstrual hygiene practices among adolescent girls aged 14-16 years in Gadag district, Karnataka, and aimed to provide knowledge about menstruation, hygiene practices, diet, and the benefits of yoga and meditation.

What were the key findings regarding menstrual hygiene practices?

The study found that 115 out of 150 girls used sanitary pads, while others used cloth. There were also significant discomforts reported before and during menstruation, indicating the need for better education on hygiene practices and dietary habits.

Why is education on menstrual hygiene important for adolescent girls?

Education is vital to dispel misconceptions, improve hygiene practices, and address dietary habits. This can help mitigate physical and emotional discomfort, promote positive behavior, and reduce hygiene-related issues in the community.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Menstrual hygiene in school going girls: a survey study�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Hygiene (Hygienic):
The study evaluates the hygienic practices of adolescent girls, noticing that while many use sanitary pads, some still use cloth. It advocates for proper education on hygienic practices during menstruation for better health outcomes.

2) Diet:
The diet of adolescent girls is emphasized for its significant impact on menstrual health. Special attention to protein, iron-rich foods, and overall balanced diet can help mitigate menstrual problems. Recommendations include the intake of leafy vegetables, dried fruits, and red meats.

3) Food:
Different food types, including spicy, sweet, and oily foods, are discussed to understand their influence on menstrual cycles. Mixed diets are common, and the study notes specific dietary needs like protein and iron to support healthy menstruation.

4) Meditation:
Meditation, along with yoga, is recommended to manage physical and mental stress experienced before and during menstruation. Regular practice can help alleviate symptoms like depression and irritability associated with menstrual cycles.

5) Yoga:
Yoga is highlighted as beneficial for reducing physical and emotional discomforts during menstruation. Specific asanas like Baddhakonasana and Paschimotanasana are mentioned to aid in easing menstrual pain and improving overall well-being.

6) Blood:
Blood flow during menstruation is categorized to understand patterns among adolescent girls. The study quantifies blood loss and highlights the importance of recognizing normal, excess, and scanty flows for better menstrual management.

7) Knowledge:
The study aims to assess the knowledge of menstrual hygiene and practices among adolescent girls. It identifies gaps in understanding and emphasizes the need for education about menstrual cycles, hygiene, diet, and benefits of yoga and meditation.

8) Karnataka:
The study was conducted in the Gadag district of Karnataka, focusing on the menstrual hygiene practices of school-going girls in this region. Karnataka's local practices and awareness are evaluated through this community-based survey.

9) Medicine:
Allopathic medicine is one of the methods girls use to cope with menstrual disturbances. Although not the primary focus, the study acknowledges the role of medicines in managing symptoms like pain and discomfort during cycles.

10) Varsha (Varsa):
Varsha Makapur is one of the authors of the study, contributing to the research on menstrual hygiene practices among adolescent girls. Her role is significant in compiling and analyzing the data collected for this survey.

11) Young girl:
The study targets school-going girls aged 14-16 years in the Gadag district to assess their menstrual hygiene practices. This specific focus on young girls helps understand the early habits and knowledge gaps in menstrual education.

12) Discussion:
The discussion section of the study provides an analysis of the data collected, linking dietary habits, menstrual regularity, and hygiene practices among the girls surveyed. It also offers suggestions for improving menstrual health education.

13) Depression:
Depression is one of the emotional discomforts experienced by girls during menstruation, as documented in the study. This highlights the need for better mental health support and coping mechanisms like yoga and meditation.

14) Education:
The study emphasizes the importance of educating adolescent girls about menstrual hygiene, proper diet, and benefits of yoga and meditation. School curricula and parental guidance play crucial roles in this educational process.

15) Vomiting:
Vomiting is listed as one of the discomforts experienced by some girls during menstruation. Recognizing such symptoms is important for providing better care and management during menstrual cycles.

16) Nausea:
Nausea is another pre-menstrual discomfort reported by a few girls, indicating the range of physical symptoms they face. Proper diet and relaxation techniques can help mitigate such issues.

17) Menstrual blood:
Menstrual blood loss is quantified in terms of sanitary pad usage to assess its adequacy among the girls. Understanding the norms of menstrual blood flow helps in identifying irregularities and ensuring proper menstrual health practices.

18) Irritation:
Irritation is mentioned as one of the emotional discomforts experienced by girls during their menstrual cycles, emphasizing the need for better coping strategies and mental health support.

19) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
The study references ancient texts and practices from Ayurveda, particularly the guidelines from Sushruta and Charaka, highlighting traditional knowledge on menstruation and its hygiene practices.

20) Belavadi:
Dr. S.N. Belavadi, Professor and HOD at D.G.M. Ayurvedic Medical College, is acknowledged for his guidance and support in conducting the survey about menstrual hygiene among school-going girls.

21) Suvarna:
Suvarna P. Nidagundi is one of the authors contributing to the study on menstrual hygiene practices among adolescent girls, participating in data collection and analysis.

22) Disease:
The study ensures that participants are not suffering from systemic diseases, as any underlying health condition could affect menstrual hygiene practices and related survey results.

23) Family:
Family plays a crucial role in the education and support of adolescent girls regarding menstrual practices. Mothers, in particular, are seen as key educators about menstruation and hygiene.

24) Prayer:
Societal restrictions often prevent menstruating girls from participating in religious rituals like offering prayers. The study aims to break such myths and educate the community about healthy menstruation practices.

25) India:
The study context is set in India, where traditional views often see menstruation as unclean, leading to various societal restrictions and misconceptions that the study aims to address.

26) Patil:
Dr. M.C. Patil, Principal at D.G.M. Ayurvedic Medical College, is acknowledged for his support and encouragement in the survey study on menstrual hygiene among school-going girls.

27) Asana (Ashana):
Specific asanas like Baddhakonasana and Paschimotanasana are recommended for easing menstrual discomfort. Yoga poses are part of the suggested practices to alleviate both physical and emotional symptoms during menstruation.

28) Ayus (Ayush):
Ayush refers to the focus of the journal AYUSHDHARA, which publishes research in AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) and allied systems, including the study on menstrual hygiene.

29) Pooja:
Pooja Rathod is another contributor to the study, participating in the research and analysis of menstrual hygiene practices among adolescent girls.

30) Puja:
Cultural restrictions often prevent menstruating women from participating in 'puja' or religious ceremonies. The study highlights the need for educational interventions to dispel such myths and promote healthy practices.

31) Curd:
The study advises against consuming curd and other sour foods during menstruation as they may increase menstrual blood flow. This reflects traditional knowledge integrated into modern dietary advice.

32) Hair:
During puberty, growth in pubic and axillary hair is one of the significant physical changes alongside menstruation, as outlined in the study. This marks the transition from childhood to adolescence in girls.

33) Sour:
Consuming sour foods like curd is traditionally avoided during menstruation because it is believed to increase menstrual blood flow. The study includes such dietary recommendations as part of menstrual health education.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Menstrual hygiene in school going girls: a survey study�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Physical discomfort, Yoga and meditation, Allopathic medicine, Menstrual cycle, Hygienic practices, Psychological change, Adolescent girl, Emotional discomfort, Ethical Clearance, Home remedies, Quantity of Blood Flow, Regularity of menstrual cycle, Menstrual hygiene, School-going girls, Physical change.

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