Survey study, 2025
What do young women know about menstruation and menstrual hygiene?
Most young women know basic facts about menstruation, but many don't know where menstrual blood comes from. Many miss college due to period pain.
What they did
Researchers surveyed 230 college girls aged 18 to 19 from four colleges in Mangalore, India. They asked about knowledge of menstruation, beliefs, and hygiene practices.
What they found
About 87% knew basic facts about menstruation. However, only 65% knew where menstrual blood comes from. About half were aware of signs before their period and infections from poor hygiene. Cultural beliefs about menstruation were less common among rural than urban girls. Most used sanitary pads. About 38% of girls from cities and 36.6% from rural areas missed college during their period, mainly due to pain.
What it means for you
Young women generally have basic knowledge about menstruation, but gaps remain. Period pain significantly affects school attendance and daily life. The study only looked at girls in one city in India, so results may differ in other places.
87%
who knew basic facts about menstruation
65%
who knew where menstrual blood comes from
38%
of urban girls who missed college due to period pain
About the study
- Original title
- Knowledge, attitude and practices regarding menstruation among adolescent girls in Mangalore, Karnataka
- Authors
- Kotian H, Agrawal N, Swarna S et al.
- Journal
- Journal of family medicine and primary care
- Year
- 2025
- Study design
- Survey study
- What was tested
- Knowledge and practices survey
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1821_24
Topics
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