IMPACT OF A HEALTH EDUCATION INTERVENTION ON MENSTRUAL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT AMONG ADOLESCENT GIRLS

Abstract

Background: Menstrual hygiene management is a critical yet often neglected component of adolescent health, particularly in settings where cultural taboos and limited health education restrict open discussion. Inadequate knowledge and poor hygienic practices during menstruation can contribute to adverse health outcomes, psychological distress, and reduced school participation among adolescent girls. Structured health education has been proposed as an effective strategy to address these gaps, though evidence documenting its impact on actual hygiene practices remains limited.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of a structured health education intervention on menstrual hygiene knowledge, attitudes, and practices among adolescent girls.

Methods: A quasi-experimental pre–post intervention study was conducted among 60 adolescent schoolgirls aged 13–17 years in Central Punjab. Baseline data on menstrual knowledge, attitudes, and hygiene practices were collected using a structured, pretested questionnaire. Participants then received a standardized health education program focusing on menstrual physiology, hygienic practices, and myth correction. Post-intervention assessments were conducted using the same tools. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, and Pearson correlation analysis.

Results: Significant improvements were observed across all outcome measures following the intervention. Mean knowledge scores increased from 9.4 ± 2.1 to 14.8 ± 1.7 (p < 0.001), while mean hygiene practice scores improved from 11.2 ± 2.5 to 16.3 ± 2.0 (p < 0.001). Positive attitudinal changes were also noted. A moderate positive correlation was found between post-intervention knowledge and hygiene practice scores (r = 0.52, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: The structured health education intervention was effective in improving menstrual hygiene management among adolescent girls. These findings support the integration of comprehensive menstrual health education into school-based adolescent health programs to promote healthier behaviors and well-being.