Perceptions and Practices Regarding Menstruation: A Comparative Study in Savara and Jatapu Tribal Adolescent Girls in Srikakulam District

Up until now, poor menstrual hygiene in developing countries has been an insufficiently acknowledged problem. Approximately 50% of the world's population knows from their own experience how important good menstrual hygiene is to be able to function optimally during the menstruation period. This study seeks to determine the status of menstrual hygiene among adolescent tribal girls of Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 602 younger women belonging to Savara and Jatapu tribal communities through random sampling method. Demographic and menstrual history and hygiene questionnaires were used for obtaining required information. Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences (SPSS) for Windows version 11.0 was used. Majority of the tribal women are getting the menstrual periods regularly, but some of them are experiencing irregular periods. The present study populations are not aware about commercially available sanitary napkins and are using mostly cotton cloth during menstrual periods. The re-usage and delay in changing these clothes are some of the responsible factors to get some infections along with improper cleaning.