Background: In many developing countries like India, a culture of silence surrounds the topic of menstruation and related issues; as a result, many young girls are having lack of appropriate and sufficient information regarding menstrual hygiene. This may result in incorrect and unhealthy behavior during their menstrual periods. Objectives: To assess knowledge and impart health education regarding menstruation and menstrual hygiene among adolescent school girls. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in two Govt. Senior Secondary Girls Schools, Jhalrapatan. All the eligible girls, aged 10 to 19 years and who have menarche, were included for study. Data was collected by pre-designed Questionnaire which includes socio-demographic information, knowledge about menstruation and menstrual hygiene and general physical examination. At the end of session, concern health education was delivered by LMO. The obtained data was analyzed by using SPSS software. Chi- Square test was used for significant association and p value less than 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Out of 375 girls, 45.6% girls had good knowledge about menstruation and menstrual hygiene. Mother was found to be the first source of information in most of the girls. Mean age of menarche was 12.78±1.2 years. Regular cycle was reported by 68.8% of girls. Sanitary napkins were used by 84% of girls while clothe was used by 16% of girls. Association of knowledge was found significant with age (p=0.018), class standard (p<0.0001) and literacy status of mother (p=0.012). Religious activities were restricted (66.4%) during periods in both Hindus and Muslims religion. Conclusion: Less than 50% of adolescent girls had adequate knowledge of menstruation and menstrual hygiene. Mother was first source of information in most of girls and it also depends on mother’s literacy status. Taboo’s related to menstruation still persist in the society.

Background: In many developing countries like India, a culture of silence surrounds the topic of menstruation and related issues; as a result, many young girls are having lack of appropriate and sufficient information regarding menstrual hygiene. This may result in incorrect and unhealthy behavior during their menstrual periods. Objectives: To assess knowledge and impart health education regarding menstruation and menstrual hygiene among adolescent school girls. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in two Govt. Senior Secondary Girls Schools, Jhalrapatan. All the eligible girls, aged 10 to 19 years and who have menarche, were included for study. Data was collected by pre-designed Questionnaire which includes socio-demographic information, knowledge about menstruation and menstrual hygiene and general physical examination. At the end of session, concern health education was delivered by LMO. The obtained data was analyzed by using SPSS software. Chi- Square test was used for significant association and p value less than 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Out of 375 girls, 45.6% girls had good knowledge about menstruation and menstrual hygiene. Mother was found to be the first source of information in most of the girls. Mean age of menarche was 12.78±1.2 years. Regular cycle was reported by 68.8% of girls. Sanitary napkins were used by 84% of girls while clothe was used by 16% of girls. Association of knowledge was found significant with age (p=0.018), class standard (p<0.0001) and literacy status of mother (p=0.012). Religious activities were restricted (66.4%) during periods in both Hindus and Muslims religion. Conclusion: Less than 50% of adolescent girls had adequate knowledge of menstruation and menstrual hygiene. Mother was first source of information in most of girls and it also depends on mother’s literacy status. Taboo’s related to menstruation still persist in the society.