Period Poverty among Females in Reproductive Age Group of Lucknow: Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Period poverty or inadequate access of menstrual hygiene and education can be debilitating to women of reproductive age. The objective of present study was to have an insight into period poverty as well as determine association between last-year period poverty, menstrual knowledge and menstrual hygiene management (MHM) with socio-demographic variables. Methods: This analytical study was cross-sectional in design included females of reproductive age (20-49 years). Study was carried at a primary health centre in urban Lucknow.Data was collected onapre-validated semi-structured questionnaire. The data was collected and entered in M.S Excel. Chi‑square was applied for analysis. Results: Prevalence of last year period poverty, poor menstrual knowledge and poor menstrual hygiene management was 29.7%, 17.7% and 42.3%, respectively. Significant association exists between period poverty and socio-demographic variables. Conclusion: Period poverty continues to be a challenging issue among females of reproductive age group. Increasing awareness about menstrual hygiene and MHM practices, and taking action to ensure adequate supply of period product is need of the hour.