Awareness Regarding Pubertal Change and Reproductive Health Among Late Adolescent Girls in Urban Slums of Jorhat, Assam

Background: Adolescence is a critical phase marked by pubertal changes that shape reproductive health. Awareness and preparedness regarding these changes are essential, yet adolescents in urban slums face compounded challenges due to poverty, cultural taboos, and poor access to health education and services. Limited evidence exists from Northeast India, particularly Assam. Objectives: To assess awareness regarding pubertal changes, reproductive health knowledge, beliefs, and treatment-seeking behaviour among late adolescent girls in urban slums of Jorhat, Assam. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January to June 2024 among 110 adolescent girls aged 16–19 years, selected through two-stage random sampling from two urban slums. Data were collected using a predesigned, pre-tested proforma and analysed using descriptive statistics and bivariate logistic regression. Results: Awareness of physical changes like height (89.1%) and breast development (80%) was high, but only 9% had comprehensive knowledge of all changes. Mothers were the main information source (73.6%). Awareness of menstruation before menarche was reported by 57.3% and was significantly associated with sanitary pad use (OR: 8.3; 95% CI: 1.79–38.58). Knowledge of ovulation (25.6%), fertilization (29.2%), and family planning (40%) was limited. Misconceptions about contraception and menstrual taboos were common. About 16.3% reported RTI symptoms, 22.2% did not seek treatment. Conclusion: Substantial gaps exist in awareness and reproductive health literacy among adolescent girls in Jorhat’s urban slums. Early sensitization before menarche, school-based health education, maternal engagement, and strengthened adolescent-friendly services are critical to improve outcomes.