Persisting Taboos: A Community-Based Study and transmission of Menstrual Myths in Tricity (North India)

A community-based cross-sectional study, conducted from April 2024 to March 2025 across urban, rural, and slum areas of Mohali, Chandigarh, examined the persistence and intergenerational transmission of menstrual myths among 702 respondents (542 females). Findings revealed widespread awareness of myths, with 96.3% of overall respondents knowing about religious restrictions (94.5% female believing them) and 97.1% endorsing the toxicity myth, while only 17.2% supported keeping menstruation taboo. There was a clear generational divide: middle-aged adults (31–45 years old) showed the strongest support (89 vs. 38), while youth (12–18 years old) rejected myth transmission by an overwhelming margin (144 vs. 34). According to a geographic analysis, slum communities maintained the highest level of traditional adherence (66 for vs. 49 against), while urban areas led opposition (179 against myths). Family members accounted for the majority of information sources (52.8%), while formal education channels contributed very little (5.9% from schools). According to projections based on a cohort replacement model, urban areas might attain a negligible myth prevalence (<5%) by 2050, whereas rural/slum areas might need to wait until 2070–2080 to receive any kind of intervention. The study offers evidence for menstrual health interventions in North Indian communities that are location- and age-specific, highlighting the potential for cultural change to be accelerated by demographic forces and focused education.