Measurement of menstrual attitudes in Indian women: a cultural perspective

Abstract

Menstrual attitudes and perceptions of menstrual and perimenstrual distress vary widely between cultures. Beliefs and attitudes related to menstruation were studied in a group of 48 female nursing students using a modified and abridged version of the Menstrual Attitude Questionnaire (MAQ). All women were in the reproductive age group. Modifications made were those which were culture-specific and which increased comprehension of items by the Indian women. The items were divided into positive/healthy and negative/unhealthy. Four of the original factors in the MAQ were retained. Computation of scores revealed a high loading on positive attitudes and consideration of menstruation as natural and physiological. Scores were low on menstruation being considered as debilitating. The findings of a more positive attitude towards menstruation is discussed in the background of cultural beliefs and attitudes.