A study on dietary practices and menstrual health awareness among school-going girls in urban Patna, Bihar

Many dietary and lifestyle factors affect menstruation health, but little is known about the relationship between nutrition and menstrual health. The importance of nutrition on menstruation irregularity, pain intensity, and general reproductive health is highlighted by this study, which looks at the dietary practices, nutritional awareness, and menstrual health experiences of teenage females. The study included 110 participants who answered questions about how often they ate, how much fast food, iron-rich foods, sugary drinks, and dairy items they consumed, and how menstrual symptoms affected them. According to the results, 31.81 percent of respondents drink less than three glasses of water each day, and 40.9 percent of respondents skip meals, which might lead to hormonal imbalances. Furthermore, 34.54 percent report having significant menstrual discomfort, and 51.81 percent suffer excessive menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia). Severe menstruation symptoms were linked to poor eating habits, such as consuming processed and sugary meals often. Only 40.9 percent of participants had received professional counsel, indicating a moderate level of awareness on the significance of nutrition in menstrual health, with 63.6 percent of individuals admitting the impact of diet. The study emphasizes the necessity of better nutritional education and increased healthcare practitioner participation in the promotion of balanced meals. Menstrual discomfort can be lessened by promoting healthier eating habits, cutting back on processed foods, and raising awareness among medical professionals and schools. Menstrual health can also be improved by encouraging physical activity, stress reduction, and hydration. The results highlight how crucial it is to make comprehensive dietary and lifestyle changes in order to enhance teenage girls' menstrual health and general reproductive health.