Abstract

Background: Menstrual hygiene management is a vital aspect of female reproductive health, especially for adolescent and young women. Inadequate knowledge and poor practices can lead to infections and absenteeism in schools and colleges.

Objective: To assess the level of awareness and menstrual hygiene practices among female medical students at a semi-urban medical college in India.

Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among 120 female MBBS students. Data were analyzed using SPSS v25. Awareness levels and hygiene practices were scored, and associations with socio-demographic factors were tested using chi-square analysis.

Results: 92% of students had good awareness of menstrual hygiene, but only 65% reported optimal hygiene practices. A significant number (28%) reported missing college due to menstrual discomfort, and only 41% consulted a physician for menstrual-related issues.

Conclusion: Despite high awareness, menstrual hygiene practices were suboptimal among female medical students. Health education and support systems are essential to bridge this awareness–practice gap.

Keywords: Menstrual hygiene, Medical students, Awareness, Practice, India

Introduction

Menstruation is a natural physiological process but is often surrounded by socio-cultural taboos and inadequate education. Poor menstrual hygiene practices can lead to reproductive tract infections, urinary tract infections, and emotional distress, particularly among adolescents and young adults.

Although medical students are expected to be well-informed, misconceptions and hygiene gaps still exist. This study aims to assess the awareness and practices regarding menstrual hygiene among female medical students at Dr. Vasantrao Pawar Medical College, a semi-urban institute in Maharashtra, India.

Methods

Study Design and Population

A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in February 2025. A total of 120 female MBBS students from 1st to 4th year were included after obtaining informed consent.

Data Collection Tool

A structured, self-administered questionnaire with 20 items covered:

• Menstrual knowledge (scored out of 10)
  
  

• Hygiene practices (scored out of 10)
  
  

• Attitudes and barriers
  
  

Scoring System

• Good awareness: Score ≥7
  
  

• Optimal hygiene practice: Score ≥7
  
  

Statistical Analysis

Descriptive statistics were used for frequency analysis. Chi-square tests were applied to identify associations between awareness/practices and demographic variables.

Results

Demographics

• Mean age: 20.4 years
  
  

• 76% from urban background, 24% from rural
  
  

• 92% reported learning about menstruation before menarche
  
  

Awareness

• 92% demonstrated good awareness
  
  

• 84% knew proper pad disposal techniques
  
  

• 71% were aware of long-term consequences of poor hygiene
  
  

Practices

• 65% practiced optimal hygiene
  
  

• 82% used branded sanitary pads; 10% used cloth; 8% used menstrual cups
  
  

• 28% reported missing college during menstruation
  
  

• 41% had sought medical advice for menstrual problems
  
  

Association: Urban background students showed significantly better hygiene practices (p = 0.03).

Discussion

Despite medical training, a notable gap between menstrual hygiene awareness and actual practices persists. Factors like embarrassment, cultural taboos, and access to proper facilities contribute to suboptimal practices.

Our findings echo previous Indian studies from similar tier medical institutions, emphasizing the need for open communication, counseling, and hygiene facilities on campuses.

Limitations include a single-center design and reliance on self-reported data, which may introduce bias.

Conclusion

Although most students are aware of menstrual hygiene concepts, a substantial proportion do not translate this awareness into optimal hygiene practices. Focused interventions, including menstrual health education, campus campaigns, and improved infrastructure, are necessary to address these gaps.

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