Behavioral changes in Menstrual hygiene management practices: Role of structured teaching program on menstrual hygiene

The aim of the present study was to identify the prevailing menstrual hygiene practices and effectiveness of health education program on menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls in selected high school. A quasi-experimental study was conducted with a sample of 62 students. A planned health education program was conducted among high school girls in a selected rural area. Pre-test questionnaire was administered regarding the practices of menstruation. After a gap of one month post-test questionnaire was administered. The study revealed that there were adequate improvement in practices during post-test, like majority of girls 98.4%(61) change pads regularly (Once in 4-5 hours), 98.4%(61) are washing their genetalia regularly during menstruation, 90.3% (56) are touching plants during menstruation, 79%(49) are touching domestic animals, 80.7% (50) are wearing new clothes during menstruation, 37.1% are attending functions, 75.8% (47) are using market available sanitary pads, 56.5% (35) are disposing used pads in public dust bins, 72.5% (42) are wrapping used pads with paper before disposing off, 58% (36) are allowed to touch water resources during menstruation, 87.1% (54) are taking head bath on first day of menstruation, 77.4% (48) are attending school during menstruation, 58.1% (36) are practicing purifying with sacred water after menstrual cycle, 92% (57) are not practicing food restrictions, 96.8% (60) are sharing their menstrual problems with mother/teachers, 98.4% (61) are sharing their feelings with friends.