Year: 2026 | Month: April | Volume: 16 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 41-51
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20260406
Study on Assessment of Menstrual Hygiene and Its Clinical and Social Impact in Low to Middle Income Groups in India
Shahla Yazdani Abraham1, Srishti Priyadarshini2, Maj Akhila Raj SR3
1Senior Gynecologist, Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 11 Air Force Hospital, Hindan, Uttar Pradesh, India.
2Gynecologist, Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 5 Air Force Hospital, Jorhat, Assam, India.
3Gynecologist, Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Military Hospital Babina, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Corresponding Author: Dr. Maj Akhila Raj SR
ABSTRACT
Background: This study aimed to collect observational data on the awareness of menstrual health and hygiene among women in the armed forces and its effect on their social lives and gynecological outcomes.
Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 200 women of reproductive age group who reported to the Obstetrics and Gynecology department with complaints of Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), chronic pelvic pain, leucorrhea, sexually transmitted diseases (STIs), pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), or infertility issues. All the females were subjected to pelvic examination, and data were collected through Google Forms using a pre-tested questionnaire. Survey data were subjected to both descriptive and analytical statistics.
Results: The present study reveals that the majority (89.5%) of respondents were aware of menstruation and associated issues. Around 57.5% of females acknowledged the connection between menstrual disorders and infertility. The majority of participants (63.5%) recognized the potential influence of an adequate diet in alleviating menstrual disorders, and 85.0% of them acknowledged applying a heating pad to the abdomen for controlling menstrual pain. Nearly 74 % of respondents recognized the potential harm of self-medication for regularizing the menstrual cycle. Half of the respondents (36.5%) found intermenstrual bleeding to be unacceptable. A substantial majority (67.5%) agreed that menstrual cups/ tampons are safe to use with proper hygienic techniques, and 72.5% of participants considered using cloth during menstruation as unhealthy.
Conclusion: The present study highlights prevalent gaps in knowledge about reproductive health, fertility, and menstrual disorders across diverse populations. Targeted educational initiatives and awareness campaigns can play a pivotal role in bridging these knowledge disparities.
Key words: Menstrual health, Menstrual hygiene, Women in armed forces.