Menstrual hygiene practices among teens and reproductive age group women: A cross-sectional study

Menstruation is a natural process marking the onset of reproductive years in women. However, managing menstrual hygiene remains challenging in resource-constrained settings due to limited knowledge, cultural beliefs, and inadequate infrastructure. This study aims to assess menstrual hygiene practices among teens and reproductive age group women to identify gaps and inform targeted awareness programs.

This cross-sectional study, conducted following approval from the institutional ethics committee and after participants provided written informed consent, employed a validated Menstrual Practice Needs Scale (MPNS-36). Participants utilized this scale, comprising 36 self-reported items, to evaluate their menstrual experiences and hygiene practices.

Most participants (87.8%) used sanitary pads, and 76.83% disposed of menstrual materials in dustbins. The main difficulty reported by most participants (62.8%) was the limitation on physical activity during menstruation. Additionally, 61.6% spent less than Rs. 100 per month on menstrual products, and 77.5% expressed satisfaction with their current hygiene materials. Significant statistical correlations were observed between higher MPNS-36 scores and younger age (<20 years), unmarried marital status, and higher education levels (graduation), with P values below 0.05.

Younger, unmarried, and educated women demonstrated better menstrual hygiene practices, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to improve practices among other demographic groups.