Assessment of knowledge, socio- cultural influences and menstrual practices among Chepang adolescent girls in Nepal: A community based cross-sectional study

Abstract

Menstruation is a natural process of women in reproductive age which happens every month until one reaches menopause. It is very important for girls of reproductive age to have the knowledge on menstruation and on menstrual hygiene management. The objective of this study was to analyze the association between knowledge, practices and hygiene status. A community based cross- sectional study was conducted in a community called Chepang in the regions, Makwanpur and Chitwan where most of them lived in Nepal. A total of 147 adolescent girls aged between 10- 19 years were conveniently selected from their households as well as different schools. A structured questionnaire was answered by them. The data was analyzed by using IBM SPSS Statistics 20. 44.9% girls had their menarche at the age of 13 years. 72.11% knew that menstruation is a natural process whereas 4.08% still believed that it was god’s curse. Age, grade, mother’s education and seeking help during menstruation were found to be statistically significant with knowledge level. Grade, understanding menses, knowledge on menstruation and seeking help during menstruation were found to be statistically significant with menstrual practices. Grade and definition of menstruation were found to be statistically significant with socio- cultural practices. 55.1% respondents said that they had food restrictions. Age and grade were the two main factors that affected knowledge and practices. Further study is needed in the Chepang adolescent girls to know their knowledge, socio- cultural practices they follow and menstrual hygiene.