Abstract

MENSTRUAL PATTERN, PRACTICES, PROBLEMS AND ATTITUDE AMONG ADOLESCENT GIRLS

Dr. R. Sudha*, R. Dhanalakshmi and A. S. Neya

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Abstract

Adolescence is the stage of life span that represents a transition period between childhood and adulthood. Menarche and menstruation is often considered as an issue that every girl has to deal with. The fast pacing technological and social development has still not completely made menstruation comfortable for girls even among the elite section in an urban society. Hence a study was undertaken to assess the menstrual pattern, practices, problems and attitude among adolescent girls studying in selected school Chennai. A quantitative research approach and a descriptive survey design was used. This study was conducted among adolescent girls in the age group of 11-16 years studying in a selected school in Chennai. Adolescent girls who attained menarche, those who were willing to participate and who can read, write and understand English were included. A total of 229 adolescent girls were selected using purposive sampling technique. The data was collected using self-administered questionnaire. The results revealed that majority of the girls 102(44.5%) attained menarche at the age of 12 years and 170 girls (74.2%) reported that their menstrual cycle was regular. All girls used sanitary pads. Majority of the girls 212(92.6%) used cotton undergarments and 160 girls (69.9%) changed their undergarments once a day. Majority 206(90%) of them used only plain water to clean the genital organs. Majority of the girls 132(57.6%) had abdominal pain, and 117 (51.1%) of them had general tiredness. Majority of the girls 144(62.9%) had moderate attitude and 70 girls (30.6%) had poor attitude towards menstruation.

Keywords: Menstruation, Hygiene, Attitude, Menarche, Menstrual Problems.