Knowledge of toxic shock syndrome among adolescent females: a need for education

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) has been identified as a potentially fatal but preventable illness that causes disease, disability, and premature death, especially among adolescent females using high absorbency tampons. In 1983 the authors surveyed 129 high school girls in three midwestern senior high schools to determine the relationship between choice of a menstrual product and knowledge about toxic shock syndrome. The study found that the knowledge level of adolescent females about TSS was fragmented and inaccurate. No significant relationship was found between choice of a menstrual product and knowledge about TSS; very little variation existed between the scores for napkin users, regular tampon users, and high absorbency tampon users. Results of the study are discussed in terms of the implications for the health of adolescent females. Recommendations are offered for utilizing health professionals, parents, and the news media in the development of toxic shock education programs.