Improving Menstrual Health Literacy: Effectiveness of an Educational Intervention among Rural Adolescent Girls

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention on improving Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) knowledge among rural adolescent girls. The study was conducted in Hathnoda Gram Panchayat, Govindgarh Tehsil, Jaipur, Rajasthan. One group pre- and post-test experimental research design was employed. A sample of 100 adolescent girls, aged 10 to 19 years, was randomly selected from four government schools in the panchayat. Data were gathered through a structured questionnaire, which included sections on socio-demographic characteristics, menstrual hygiene practices, and menstrual hygiene knowledge. The intervention consisted of a three-days training focused on key topics, including the menstrual cycle, Importance of menstrual hygiene, Social beliefs, taboos, and stigma associated with menstruation, Appropriate use and disposal of menstrual absorbents, and Nutrition during menstruation. The results of the study revealed that, majority of respondents received menstrual health information from their mothers (78%), most of them were of age 12–13 years. There was prevalent use of reusable cloths (37%) or sanitary napkins (35%), alongside suboptimal hygiene practices such as low absorbent-changing frequency and use of unhygienic materials. Post-intervention, the findings demonstrated a significant (p < 0.0001) increase in menstrual hygiene knowledge, with the mean knowledge score rising from 37.28 to 45.62. These results highlight the need for integrating educational programs with improved sanitation infrastructure to promote better menstrual hygiene practices. The study calls for further research into the long-term impact and sustainability of menstrual health programs in rural contexts.