A STUDY TO EVALUATE THE KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE OF MENSTRUAL SANITATION AMONG WOMEN OF ANCESTRAL COMMUNITIES RESIDING IN SELECTED AREAS OF INDORE, MADHYA PRADESH

Abstract

In India 52% of the female population is of reproductive age and are likely to menstruate each month. They are getting anxious, adolescents missing their schools, taking leave from works, sometimes completely isolated from their family and society and practicing unhealthy menstrual hygiene practices during menstruation as they want to hide their menstruation and to maintain the purity of their surroundings.

Menstruation is also known as period or monthly. By definition, menstruation is the regular discharge of blood and mucosal tissue from the inner lining of the uterus through the vagina. It is due to the preparation of woman’s body for pregnancy. So, if pregnancy do not happen the lining will shed through the vagina. The menstrual cycle is controlled by the reproductive hormone system and is necessary for pregnancy and reproduction.

Menstrual hygiene management means that women and adolescent girls using a clean menstrual management material to absorb or collect blood that can be changed in privacy as often as necessary for the duration of the menstruation period, using soap and water for washing the body as required, and having access to facilities to dispose of used menstrual management material.