Enhancing Menstrual Awareness among Adolescent Girls: Evaluating the Influence of School Initiatives

Abstract

Introduction: Although menstruation is a natural biological process that has a substantial impact on adolescents girls' health and well-being, it is frequently stigmatised and poorly understood, especially in settings with limited resources. In order to address this problem, school-based menstrual health programmes offer thorough instruction, easy access to sanitary supplies, and encouraging surroundings for managing menstrual health.

Objective: The purpose of this cross-sectional study is to determine how well school-based programmes work to increase adolescent girls' awareness of menstruation and to identify differences in menstrual knowledge, attitudes, and practices between schools that implement these programmes and those that do not. The study also aims to determine the variables that affect menstrual awareness, such as financial situation, educational attainment, and resource accessibility.

Methodology: Using a quantitative methodology, the study surveyed adolescent girls in District-Dehradun, Uttarakhand, who were in various higher secondary schools and ranged in age from 13 to 16. Cochran's formula is used to calculate the sample size, and self-structured questionnaires are used to collect data over a six-month period.

Findings: The investigation shows a strong correlation between school-based MHM programmes and adolescents girls' knowledge of menstruation. Menstrual awareness among students has been positively impacted by initiatives like the availability of knowledgeable staff, specifically designated spaces for MHM programmes, educational sessions, and adequate facilities.

Discussion: By emphasising the significance of evidence-based interventions and cooperative efforts to promote menstrual health awareness and hygiene practices among adolescent populations, the study's findings add to the ongoing conversation on MHM in schools. However, the study's design flaws and geographic specificity point to the need for more investigation in order to generalise the results and establish causality.

Conclusion: In spite of its limitations, the study's conclusion emphasises the value of menstrual health initiatives (MHM) in raising adolescent girls' awareness of menstruation. It also advocates for ongoing improvement and targeted interventions to close the knowledge gaps regarding menstrual health and the accessibility of resources. Policymakers and educators can create specialised strategies to meet the various needs of adolescent girls and promote menstrual health with dignity and confidence by taking into account cultural, geographic, and socioeconomic factors.