Menstrual Health and Hygiene: Understanding Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Among Women

Authors

  • Dr. Bharti Pandey Associated Professor, Department of Home Science, Acharya Narendra Dev Nagar Nigam Mahila Mahavidyalaya Affiliated to CSJM University Kanpur, Kanpur Uttar Pradesh, India https://orcid.org/0009-0000-8906-274X
  • Dr. Shikha Verma Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Acharya Narendra Dev Nagar Nigam Mahila Mahavidyalaya Affiliated to CSJM University Kanpur, Kanpur Uttar Pradesh India https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0034-0833

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31305/rrijm.2025.v10.n6.010

Keywords:

Menstrual health, menstrual hygiene management, knowledge and awareness, adolescent girls, women’s health

Abstract

Menstrual health and hygiene remain critical yet often overlooked aspects of women’s well-being, particularly in developing regions. This study examines the knowledge, awareness, attitudes, and hygiene practices related to menstruation among girls and women aged 12–40 years from diverse socio-economic and geographical backgrounds. Using a stratified random sampling technique, 118 participants were selected from both urban and rural areas. Data collection methods included structured questionnaires, focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews (KIIs) to capture both quantitative and qualitative insights. The findings reveal persistent gaps in menstrual education, with socio-cultural taboos and inadequate facilities significantly influencing hygiene practices. Many participants lacked formal education on menstruation, relying primarily on family members for information. Additionally, restrictive practices and stigma continue to shape attitudes toward menstruation, often leading to school absenteeism and compromised health outcomes. This study underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions, including comprehensive menstrual health education, policy reforms, and improved access to hygiene facilities. By addressing these challenges, policymakers, educators, and health professionals can contribute to fostering positive menstrual health practices, promoting gender equality, and enhancing overall well-being.

Author Biographies

Dr. Bharti Pandey, Associated Professor, Department of Home Science, Acharya Narendra Dev Nagar Nigam Mahila Mahavidyalaya Affiliated to CSJM University Kanpur, Kanpur Uttar Pradesh, India

Dr. Bharti Pandey is an Associate Professor at A.N.D.N.N.M. Mahavidyalaya Affiliated to CSJM University, Kanpur, with over a decade of teaching experience in the field of Home Science, specializing in Food and Nutrition. She holds a Ph.D. from S.N. Medical College, Agra, and earned a Gold Medal in her M.Sc. from Dr. B.R.A. University, Agra. Dr. Pandey has previously served as a lecturer at the College of Home Science, Nirmala Niketan, Mumbai, and Isabella Thoburn College, Lucknow. Her research interests include nutritional behavior, dietary interventions, micronutrient deficiencies, and public health nutrition. She has published extensively in national journals and authored a book titled "Assessment of Vitamin A Deficiency – Clinical, Histological and Nutritional Indicators." She is committed to advancing nutritional awareness and evidence-based dietary practices among adolescents and women in urban and rural contexts.

Dr. Shikha Verma, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Acharya Narendra Dev Nagar Nigam Mahila Mahavidyalaya Affiliated to CSJM University Kanpur, Kanpur Uttar Pradesh India

Dr. Shikha Verma is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at A.N.D.N.N.M. Mahavidyalaya, Kanpur, affiliated with Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University. She earned her Ph.D. in Psychology from Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, where she focused on psychosocial distress, hope, ART adherence, and nutritional status among HIV/AIDS orphans. A recipient of a Gold Medal for academic excellence during her undergraduate studies, Dr. Verma has established herself in the field of mental health and resilience research. Her key areas of interest include emotional intelligence, adolescent well-being, behavioral addictions, and psychological implications of human–AI interaction. She has published widely in reputed national and international journals and contributed to numerous edited academic volumes. Dr. Verma is a member of IAAP, ISPA, IAHP, and NAP, and has received multiple Best Paper Awards for her scholarly contributions.

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Published

16-06-2025

How to Cite

Pandey, B., & Verma, S. (2025). Menstrual Health and Hygiene: Understanding Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Among Women. RESEARCH REVIEW International Journal of Multidisciplinary, 10(6), 82–106. https://doi.org/10.31305/rrijm.2025.v10.n6.010

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 6 (2025): RESEARCH REVIEW International Journal of Multidisciplinary

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Articles

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This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0).