Survey study, 2023
What do adolescent girls in India know about menstruation and PMS?
Most girls knew menstruation was natural and learned from their mothers, but over half had never heard of PMS. Girls with good knowledge about periods had less period-related anxiety.
What they did
Surveyed 100 school girls in Kerala, India using questionnaires about their knowledge, beliefs, and practices related to menstruation.
What they found
89% of girls knew about menstruation before it started. More than 70% used sanitary pads. 99% knew it was a natural phenomenon. 54% had never heard of PMS. Of girls with good knowledge, 80% had no period-related anxiety.
What it means for you
Teaching girls about periods and PMS early, through parents and teachers, may reduce worry and anxiety. The study was small (one school) and limited to one area of India, so results may not apply in other countries or communities.
89%
knew about menstruation before it started
54%
had never heard of PMS
80%
with good knowledge had no period anxiety
About the study
- Original title
- Perceptions and practices related to menstruation and reproductive health in adolescent girls in an urban population - A cross sectional study
- Authors
- Vinod A, Kaimal RS
- Journal
- Journal of family medicine and primary care
- Year
- 2023
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 100
- What was tested
- None tested
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1752_22
Topics
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