A cross-sectional study on knowledge of menstruation and hygiene practices among first year medical students of Jamnagar, Gujarat

Background: Menarche marks the beginning of a multitude of physical, physiological, and psychological changes in the lives of the adolescent girls. The reaction to menstruation depends on awareness and knowledge about the subject. Menstruation and menstrual practices are still clouded by taboos and sociocultural restrictions, resulting in adolescent girls remaining ignorant of scientific facts and hygienic health practices which sometimes result in adverse health issues. Aims and Objectives: The aims and objectives of this study were to understand the knowledge of menstruation and menstrual hygiene among 1st year female medical students. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 66 female medical students, after inclusion and exclusion criteria. They are given a questionnaire containing questions related to relevant personal history, menstrual history, practices, etc., for filling. Results: Of 66 students, 74.24% had knowledge about menstruation before they attained menarche, and in 68.18%, mother is the main source of information. 15% has used cloth at some point of time, most of them being from rural areas. At present, 98% are using sanitary napkins. 15% of them are uncomfortable to go to shops alone to buy sanitary napkins. Conclusion: Menstrual hygiene is a vital aspect of health education for adolescent girls as it related with health consequences. Since mothers form a major source of menstrual information, educating the mothers can lead to more hygienic practices. Since the practice of using cloth is seen more in the rural areas, increasing the availability of sanitary napkins at an affordable price in the rural settings can result in more hygienic practices in rural areas.