Knowledge and Attitude on Menstrual Hygiene among Adolescent Girls Studying in Secondary Level in Public Schools of Chitwan District, Nepal

Background: Menstruation is an important biological and reproductive health indicator, although it is taboo in many cultures. Millions of girls lack a basic understanding of menstrual hygiene because of limited access to information. Unhygienic menstrual practice has a tremendous impact on reproductive health. To safeguard their reproductive health and rights, women and girls need to be well educated about menstrual hygiene. Objective: The objectives of this study were to determine the level of knowledge among adolescent girls regarding menstrual hygiene and the relationship between that knowledge and socio-demographic characteristics. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 330 adolescent girls of grades 8 and 9 in different public schools of Bharatpur Metropolitan City, Chitwan. Systematic random sampling was used to select sample units. A selfadministered questionnaire was used to obtain the information and the data were analyzed through SPSS. Results: Though 99% of the adolescent girls have heard about menstrual hygiene, only 77.3% have good knowledge. The major source of information was the mother (54%) and sisters. The findings indicated that 84% of adolescent girls have good knowledge of keeping clothes clean, 76% have good knowledge of bathing, and 63% have good knowledge of using an absorbent during their period. Girls between the ages of 16 to 19 years were more knowledgeable (79%) than those under 16 years. Girls from nuclear families were more knowledgeable (80%) than girls from joint families. Adolescent girls from higher monthly income families have better knowledge of menstrual hygiene. Daughters of parents with higher secondary education have better knowledge (93%), adolescent girls with housewives' mothers have better knowledge (81%), and adolescent girls with farmers as fathers have better knowledge (82%). Almost all adolescent girls were strongly agreed on the menstrual hygiene. They have a positive attitude toward menstrual hygiene Recommendation: Menstrual hygiene should be co