Breaking Silence on Menstrual Hygiene Management

Background: Awareness regarding menstrual hygiene is a significant public health and societal issue among young girls in developing countries. In South Asian countries, including Pakistan, adolescent girls are often unprepared mentally, emotionally, and physically for the onset of menstruation, largely due to a lack of awareness and prevailing social taboos. Objective: To assess the awareness and practices regarding menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls in public sector schools of District Peshawar. Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2022 among girls from classes 7, 8, and 9 who had attained menarche, studying in selected public sector schools in Peshawar. A total sample of 500 participants was recruited using a convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using a previously validated, self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were analyzed using SPSS version 21. Results: Out of 500 participants, 247 (49.4%) were aware of menstrual hygiene management (MHM). Mothers were reported as the sole source of menstrual information by 230 (46%) participants. The use of traditional cloth as an absorbent during menstruation was common among 45% of respondents, and 59.2% avoided bathing during menstruation. Additionally, 236 (47.25%) participants reported avoiding routine activities during their menstrual cycles. The study also revealed that many school-going girls faced various social and cultural restrictions during menstruation. Conclusion: The findings highlight a critical gap in access to accurate and reliable information regarding menstrual hygiene management among school-going girls. Misbeliefs and misconceptions continue to prevail due to cultural taboos and inadequate education. There is an urgent need to develop school-based awareness programs and policy-level interventions that promote safe and informed sanitary practices among adolescents. Keywords: Adolescent girls, Awareness, Menstrual hygiene.