Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Regarding Menstrual Hygiene among Adolescent Girls in Tribal Areas of Rajasthan: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Abstract Background: Menstrual hygiene is a critical aspect of adolescent health, yet it remains neglected, especially in tribal and rural settings where taboos, lack of education, and limited access to sanitary facilities prevail. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) related to menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls in tribal areas of Rajasthan. Objectives: To evaluate the level of knowledge, prevailing attitudes, and menstrual hygiene practices among adolescent girls in tribal regions and identify associated sociodemographic factors. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 422 adolescent girls aged 10–19 years in selected tribal villages of Udaipur district, Rajasthan. A pretested, semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic variables, knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding menstruation. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to analyze the data using SPSS version 25.0. Results: Only 38.6% of the participants had knowledge of menstruation before menarche. Mothers were the primary source of information (52.7%). While 29.4% understood that menstruation is a normal physiological process, 64.2% considered it impure and 71.3% reported facing social or religious restrictions. Regarding hygiene, 47.9% used cloth alone, and only 17.3% used sanitary pads exclusively. Genital hygiene and safe disposal practices were poor. A statistically significant association (p < 0.001) was found between the mother’s education level and the adoption of hygienic menstrual practices. Conclusion: Menstrual hygiene among tribal adolescent girls in Rajasthan is suboptimal, with prevailing misconceptions, negative attitudes, and unhygienic practices. Targeted health education, improved access to menstrual products, and WASH infrastructure, along with culturally sensitive community engagement, are urgently required to improve menstrual health outcomes in these underserved populations. Keywords: Menstrual Hygiene, Adolescent Girls, Tribal Areas, Knowledge Attitude And Practices, Rajasthan, Reproductive Health, Sanitary Practices.