FoodSci: Indian Journal of Research in Food Science and Nutrition

Lucy George ¹, N. Sabitha ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Vellalar College for Women, Erode – 638012, Tamil Nadu, IN

Abstract

The present study was carried out in selected schools of Pathanamthitta district, central Kerala to assess the prevalence of menstrual disorders and status of menstrual hygiene among school going adolescent girls. A total of 821 school going adolescent girls (aged 10-19 years) from both urban and rural areas were screened, out of which 670 had onset of menstruation. The data was collected from all 670 eligible participants using a semi-structured questionnaire. The questionnaire included information on age of attaining menstruation (menarche), menstrual hygiene and socio demographic variables. The mean age of onset of menarche was 12.28 (SD±1.03) years. Irregular menstrual disorder was observed in 34% (n = 228) of the studied subjects. Problems associated with menstruation observed among the subjects were polymenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, hypomenorrhea and menorrhagia. Among all the studied subjects, 99.7% (668) were using sanitary pads. As far disposal of pads was concerned, 77.25% (n = 516) disposed their pads by burning, 17.06% (n = 114) flush the used pads in toilets and 1.19% (n=8) respondents were throwing the pads outside in open and others were 4.49% (n = 30).

Keywords

Adolescent Girls, Menstrual Hygiene, Menstrual Problems, Pathanamthitta District, Central Kerala.

Full Text