UNDERSTANDING MENSTRUAL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT: A BASELINE STUDY FROM GAYA DISTRICT OF BIHAR
Keywords:
Menstrual Hygiene, information, stigma, Socio-economic factors, poverty.Abstract
The study aimed to understand the practices, awareness levels, and challenges related to MHM among women and adolescent girls. A cross-sectional design was employed, using structured interviews with 120 respondents. The results highlights significant gaps in knowledge, despite high levels of awareness of menstruation. Many women and girls still lack comprehensive information about MHM. The study also revealed the widespread use of cloth as the primary menstrual product, emphasizing the need for better access to sanitary napkins and improved hygiene practices. Additionally, it points to socio-cultural stigma surrounding menstruation, which hampers open discussion and leads to feelings of embarrassment. Socio-economic factors, particularly poverty, also limit access to adequate menstrual hygiene resources. The findings provide a basis for future interventions aimed at improving menstrual health and well-being in the region.
