Impact of Health Education on Menstrual Hygiene Management: An Interventional Study among female undergraduate students of health and medical sciences

Abstract

Background: Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) is of significant importance for health and well-being of a women. Lack of knowledge and resources leads to severe health issues.

Objective: This interventional study is designed to determine the levels of understanding and knowledge about menstrual hygiene management. Along with this we aim to evaluate the impact of health education on menstrual hygienic practices.

Methodology: A purposive sampling, interventional study was designed with a sample size of 100 medical and health science female students of age group 18 years to 30 years. They were asked to fill a questionnaire about menstrual hygiene practices, at baseline and after the intervention. A session on MHM was conducted and menstrual practices of the subjects were assessed again.

Results: A positive change was observed in the menstrual hygiene practices after a health education session on menstrual hygiene was given to the participants.

Conclusion: This study reveals that even after studying the medical and health sciences the knowledge of the subjects regarding MHM was limited. Cultural norms and social stigma about menstruation play a key role in building this gap. Educating girls about menstrual hygiene practices can be a helpful tool to meet the Substantial Development Goal of a healthy women.