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Manipal Journal of Medical Sciences

Abstract

Introduction: Problems related to menstruation are one of the most common issues faced by adolescent girls all over India. To improve academic performances among adolescent girls and to reduce menstruation-related school absenteeism, it is important to understand and address the factors affecting school absenteeism during menstruation. Methods: This was a school-based survey conducted for six months from January to June 2019 in the Udupi district of Karnataka State. A semi-structured questionnaire with four domains, namely - sociodemographic variables, awareness on menstruation, menstrual products used and school absenteeism due to menstruation was administered. 1546 responses were received. Results: The participants of this survey ranged from 13 years to 16 years and the mean age at menarche was around 12 years for them. About 25.7% of the respondents, remained absent to the school during menstruation and the factors seen causing it were mainly abdominal pain and/or discomfort, unclean toilets and staining of clothes. Conclusion: Despite considerable improvements in the facilities as well as educational programs, adolescent girls are still incapacitated by menstruation. Many of them miss schools due to this biological phenomenon irrespective of the type of schools. The facilities provided at the schools also play an important role in safe and comfortable menstrual practices by adolescent girls.

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