Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 12, 2026
05:35
A Point-of-Care Method with Integrated Decision Support Tool to Estimate Anemia at Population Level
Published on: January 19, 2024
Navigating Change: A Qualitative Study of Menstrual Hygiene Practices in Rural Communities.
Kalaiselvan Ganapathy1, Reenaa Mohan2, Pooja A Krishnan3
1Professor, Department of Community and Family Medicine, All India Institue of Medical Sciences, Mangalagiri, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Indian Journal of Public Health
|July 10, 2026
Summary
Menstrual hygiene practices are shifting, with more women using pads than in previous generations. Peer support and education are key to helping young girls manage menstruation effectively.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Sociology
- Women's Health
Background:
- Growing societal shift towards improved menstrual hygiene practices.
- Exploration of current trends and challenges in menstrual hygiene management.
- Focus on self-help group (SHG) members' experiences and perspectives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate menstrual hygiene practice trends and challenges among SHG members.
- To identify effective coping mechanisms for school-aged girls managing menstruation.
- Utilizing Force Field Analysis to understand factors influencing menstrual hygiene.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative research employing focused group discussions (FGD) and trend analysis.
- Participatory Rural Appraisal techniques used with SHG members (n=23, ages 35-55).
- Force Field Analysis conducted with school girls (n=14, ages 12-19).
Main Results:
- Key themes identified: cultural beliefs, health/hygiene, and dietary practices.
- Trend analysis indicates increased pad usage compared to historical cotton cloth use.
- Preparedness from elder sisters and friends emerged as a significant positive coping factor for young girls.
Conclusions:
- Comprehensive education from primary levels is crucial for adolescent girls' menstrual health.
- Family support and community engagement are vital for creating a supportive environment.
- Improved facilities and resources are necessary to empower adolescent girls in managing menstruation.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:19The Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual cycle is a recurrent sequence of changes in the uterine endometrium, specifically its functional layer, the stratum functionalis. This cycle prepares the uterus for potential pregnancy. This cycle typically spans 21–35 days, averaging 28 days, and aligns with the ovarian cycle, regulated by fluctuating levels of ovarian hormones, primarily estrogen and progesterone.
The menstrual phase occurs from days 1 to 5 and involves the shedding of the stratum functionalis, as a uterine...
The menstrual phase occurs from days 1 to 5 and involves the shedding of the stratum functionalis, as a uterine...
01:29Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System II: Health Perception Pattern
Assessing the gastrointestinal (GI) system is a complex process that begins with collecting subjective data. This data, collected through patient interviews, provides crucial insights into the patient's health history, perception patterns, and lifestyle habits, all contributing significantly to GI health.
Health Perception Patterns
Health perception patterns offer valuable insights into a patient's lifestyle habits and how they may impact their GI health. These patterns include:
Health Perception Patterns
Health perception patterns offer valuable insights into a patient's lifestyle habits and how they may impact their GI health. These patterns include:
01:30Development of Human Microbiota
The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from the skin...
01:15Handwashing III: During the Procedure and Post-Procedure Steps
To wash hands properly, follow these steps:
01:22Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
The ovarian cycle regulates endometrial changes throughout a single menstrual cycle via the coordinated action of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotrophins.
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
01:28Development of the Oral Microbiota
The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...