Unspoken Cycles: Menstruation and Tribal Adolescent Girls of Manipur

The female reproductive system undergoes a regular menstrual cycle, as a sign of the body’s preparation for ovulation and potential pregnancy. Menstruation is a natural physiological process which is experienced almost universally across cultures, race, language, and religion, yet ignorance, misinformation, stigma, and cultural beliefs continue to influence menstrual attitudes and practices, particularly among young tribal adolescent girls in Manipur. The research investigates the extent of awareness of menstruation, practices, challenges, and attitudes among tribal adolescent girls in Senapati District, Manipur. The research employed a self-constructed menstruation tool among 120 tribal adolescent girls aged 14–19 years drawn from 4 schools selected through simple random sampling. Data were analyzed using simple percentage analysis. About half of the girls (50.42%) had adequate knowledge, while 59.25% demonstrated inadequate menstrual practices. Additionally, 52.59% of the participants experienced menstrual challenges, whereas majority (80.93%) showed positive attitudes. Persistent gaps highlight the need for comprehensive menstrual health education program and intervention in schools and villages to improve awareness, address misconceptions, and promote safe hygiene practices.Keywords:Menstruation, Adolescent Girls, Tribal Communities, Menstrual Hygiene, Menstrual Awareness