A cross-sectional study of knowledge, taboos, and attitudes towards menstruation

ABSTRACT

Background

The level of knowledge and comprehension surrounding puberty and menstruation. It can substantially impact women’s overall health. This cross-sectional study is conducted to get insights about menstrual knowledge, attitudes and taboos among college and university female students in Haryana.

Methods

A survey was conducted to investigate the experiences of menstruation among female students from government universities and colleges. Respondents were categorized on the basis of age, education qualification, and background setting. Random sampling was used to ensure participation from six administrative zones. The chi-square test was used to determine statistical significance, and the analysis was built around the p-value.

Results

The data reveals that there is no significant association between the age of the participants and their awareness of menstruation, scientific knowledge related to menstruation, or their personal relationships with mother, father, or family members. Similarly, there is no significant association between the participants’ scientific knowledge and their level of education. However, there is a significant association between participants’ personal relationships and level of education (p = .025). Additionally, a significant association was observed between taboos and level of education (p = .025).

Conclusion

Age, residential area, and educational levels do not seem to significantly impact participants’ awareness and knowledge. This study highlights the influence of personal equations and education on attitudes and beliefs surrounding menstruation. The significant association between personal relationships and education underscores the importance of a supportive family. The persistence of menstrual taboos among undergraduates suggests that there is still a need for comprehensive and inclusive menstrual health education. This study also addressed the sustainable developmental goals for good health and well-being. Future studies should focus on exploring cultural factors such as religious beliefs and cultural norms in more detail to develop interventions that may help improve menstrual health outcomes among college and university students.

KEYWORDS:

• Menstruation
• knowledge
• cross sectional
• good health and wellbeing
• misconception
• gender equality

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to express their gratitude to the reviewers for their valuable feedback. Their insightful suggestions not only helped to clarify the study but also contributed to refining the results to make it a better read. Their constructive criticism has greatly improved the quality of this research article. We also acknowledge the role of Prof. C. R Drolia, Kurukshetra University for his valuable suggestions and the guidence for the study. We also acknowledge Ms. Garima Ganghariya Ms. Binish Parveen & Dr. Rubal Kanozia for reading the final draft after the incorporation of all the comments of reviewers and helping in omitting some glaring grammatical error.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) received funding from Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Seed Money Grant Project for conducting the research.