MENSTRUAL HEALTH AND HYGIENE PRACTICES WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE COLLEGE-GOING GIRLS OF OKHAL-KANDA BLOCK OF DISTRICT NAINITAL

Abstract

The awareness and hygiene behaviours of educated girls around menstruation still need to be addressed in India, although it is a significant part of girls' lives.This study evaluated collegeadolescents' knowledge and practices about menstruation hygiene. Menstrual hygiene is crucial for women and girls, but many are unaware of its processes due to social taboos. The study found that most participants were aware of disease prevention but ignorant of pre-exposure prophylaxis and anti-rabies immunoglobulin. Adolescent females also had a low understanding of menstruation, leading to delayed menstruation and delayed age estimation. Adolescent health should be addressed holistically, considering social, mental, physical, and emotional aspects. Encouraging active participation from society, including parents and teachers, is essential for healthy teenagers' development.

The National Rural Health Mission in India was launched in 2005 and started to provide affordable and quality health services for rural people. A trained female community health worker, Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA), is responsible for every block and links the area to the Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM).ASHA workers play a crucial role in providing information about hygiene during menstruation, providing first aid, advising on availing available services, making arrangements, referring complex cases, helping reach healthcare centres, preparing block health plans, etc.