Menstrual Hygiene Knowledge and Practices among Adolescent SchoolGirls in Haldwani, Uttarakhand: Probing the Association with School Environment.

Background: Menstruation is one of the most significant social, and psychological changes that a female experiences. A mixture of incomplete and erroneous information about the safe and hygienic menstrual practices, as well as improper menstrual management at home or school can be a significant barrier to girls' school attendance and educational experience quality. Menstrual hygiene being a multi-sectoral public health issue needs to be dealt in integration with education, health, women and child development and water sanitation hygiene (WASH). Objective: To assess the knowledge and practices towards menstruation and menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls and its association with the school environment. Method: This study was an analytical cross sectional study, conducted among the 850 adolescent girls of government and private schools in Haldwani. Data was analyzed using SPSS (version 16). Results: More than half of the participants from government and private school showed average knowledge and practices regarding menstruation and menstrual hygiene. Facilities in school related to menstrual hygiene management was found to be associated with menstrual hygiene practices among the study participants. (p<0.05) Conclusion: These findings indicate the need for education about safe and correct menstrual hygiene practices. School environment related to menstrual hygiene management should be improved and strengthened as per the need of adolescent population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]