A Descriptive Study to Assess the Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Regarding Menstrual Health among the High School Girls in Ashram Shaala of Tribal Area: In View to Develop Information Booklet

Abstract

Aim: The aim this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of adolescent girls studying in ashram shalas (residential schools) in tribal area and prepare and distribute the information booklet on menstrual health.

Methodology: It was a cross-sectional study carried out between January and February 2019. Two hundred high school girls of selected Asharam Shaala were selected by simple random sampling technique. The data was collected using structured questionnaire, attitude scale and checklist. After the analysis of data for KAP with regards to menstrual health, information booklet on menstrual health was prepare in local language and distributed to the participants.

Results: The result of the study revealed that, majority (84%) of the high school girls are aware about menstruation health. Their knowledge was assessed using semi structured questionnaire, the findings suggested that 55.50% of high school girls had average knowledge, and 40.50% high school girls have poor knowledge of menstruation and menstrual health. The 66% of the high school girls describe their response to their first menses was scar. The study findings revealed that majority (86.50%) of the high school girls have negative attitude towards menstrual health may be the impact of social and cultural taboos in the tribal areas.

Conclusions: The study concluded that majority of girls having negative attitude towards menstrual health, and average knowledge regarding menstrual health. Efforts have to put into ensuring the school girls are well educated on menstruation and menstrual health.