A qualitative study regarding menstrual hygiene in a rural community of Haryana, India

Adolescent girls face challenges in menstrual hygiene in routine patterns which impacts their education and health. A qualitative study was undertaken to assess the knowledge and practices regarding menstruation in a rural community of Haryana and to identify the barriers to menstrual hygiene.

The study was conducted in the month of September 2019 among various stakeholders i.e. adolescent females, adolescent males, Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers, Anganwadi workers, school teachers and Medical Officers. The stakeholders were mapped with the help of a Multi-Purpose Health Worker and ASHA of the village. Interview guides for focus group discussion (FGD) and in-depth interview (IDI) were prepared from previous literature to understand menstrual health management among the stakeholders.

After IDI and FGD, we found that there is a barrier to accessibility of regular sanitary pads, a lack of education on menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls. School absenteeism was a concern due to the unavailability of mechanisms for the disposal of sanitary pads in school and poor maintenance of toilets.

Proper implementation of the Adolescent Reproductive Sexual Health program and Menstrual health education can improve the use and reduce stigma and ignorance. Free uninterrupted supply of sanitary pads through school and Anganwadi will help improving accessibility and separate toilets for girls would lead to a reduction in absenteeism.