Awareness and Practices of Menstrual Hygiene Among Rural Adolescent Schoolgirls in Lahore, Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Empowering adolescent girls with accurate data, a supportive environment, and access to resources is crucial for promoting their dignity and educational success, thereby enabling gender equity and social development in rural communities. Aim This research aims to assess the knowledge and practices of menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls in schools within the rural community of Lahore, Pakistan. Methodology This research employed a quantitative, cross-sectional design, with a survey conducted among 108 participants in Lakhodair Sharif Bakra Mandi, Lahore, Pakistan. Purposive sampling was used to select participants within the specified age range (e.g., 12-19 years old). Results The results indicate that 91 participants (84.25%) were aged 13-15 years, followed by 12 participants (11.11%) in the 16-18 age range. Four participants (3.70%) were aged 10-12 years, and only one participant (0.92%) was aged 19 or older. In terms of grade level, 71 participants (65.74%) were in grade 8, 29 participants (26.85%) were in grade 7, six participants (5.55%) were in grade 6, and two participants (1.85%) were in grade 5. Correlation analysis revealed a strong, positive correlation between menstrual hygiene knowledge and practice, with a correlation coefficient of 0.649 (p < 0.001). Conclusions This research found that individuals from rural areas of Lahore demonstrated a strong understanding of menstrual hygiene, reflecting high levels of knowledge. A positive relationship was observed between knowledge and hygiene practices. Additionally, the findings revealed that participants held positive attitudes toward menstrual hygiene, although they expressed concerns about abdominal pain, as well as challenges related to accessing facilities and ensuring privacy at schools.