Abstract
BACKGROUND: The period of adolescence is when a girl reaches reproductive maturity. Menstrual hygiene is one of the significant elements affecting quality of life. The purpose of this study was to evaluate people's attitudes, practices and understanding of menstruation and menstrual hygiene. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted between 1 and 31 January 2020 involving 230 college-going girls belonging to the late adolescent age group (18-19 years) from four-degree colleges in Mangalore. Quota sampling was used; validated questionnaire was used to collect information regarding knowledge attitude and practices related to menstrual hygiene. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS v25.0. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge regarding the basic physiology of menstruation was known to about 87% of participants. However, the source of blood was known to only 65%. The main source of their information was their mothers. About half of the students were aware of the various premenstrual signs and infections linked to poor menstrual hygiene. Various taboos regarding menstruation are still prevalent; however, it was surprising that the taboo was comparatively lesser among rural people. More than 80% of people thought that men should also be educated regarding menstruation. Sanitary pads were the most used absorbent material due to its ease of use and availability. Disposal was mainly through flushing, especially among rural students. Burning of the absorbent material is also followed; disposal bins were mainly used by urban students. About 38% of urban and 36.6% of rural students miss college during their menses, mainly due to pain.