September 2023 · Volume 12 · Issue 9 Page 1 International Journal of Reproduction, Contraception, Obstetrics and Gynecology Ravindranath W et al. Int J Reprod Contracept Obstet Gynecol. 2023 Sep;12(9):xxx-xxx www.ijrcog.org pISSN 2320-1770 | eISSN 2320-1789 Original Research Article Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice of menstrual hygiene amongst school students in rural India Wamika Ravindranath 1 , Venkatesh Ravindranath 2 , Rahul R. Chopade 3 * INTRODUCTION Menarche is a crucial developmental stage, not only physical but also mental and emotional transitional process of a girl adopting womanhood. Knowledge, attitude, and practice of menstrual hygiene play a decisive role in the reproductive health of a woman's life. In the underdeveloped rural villages of western Maharashtra (Konkan: Sawarde) where menstruation is considered a social stigma, and the problems females face go unaddressed, thus causing a lack of knowledge and awareness amongst the localities here, therefore leading to the deterioration of the rural woman's health. Another major issue in such places is poverty. The lack of economic support has led to poor washroom facilities in the households, inadequate water, and soap availability, in addition to sanitary pad affordability; thus, rural women tend to neglect or even opt for a cheaper, unsafe alternative that is hazardous to their reproductive health. 1,2 Lack of menstrual hygiene and unsafe practices adopted by villagers have led to the transmission of reproductive tract DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20232469 1 Department of Pharmacology, 2 Department of Otorhinolaryngology, 3 Department of Community Medicine, BKL Walawalkar Rural Medical College and Hospital, Sawarde, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, India Received: 15 July 2023 Accepted: 31 July 2023 *Correspondence: Dr. Rahul R. Chopade, E-mail: chopader06@gmail.com Copyright: © the author(s), publisher and licensee Medip Academy. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License, which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. ABSTRACT Background: Lack of information access, traditions, socio-cultural taboos, and hence social embarrassment regarding menstrual hygiene has led to women's health deterioration which led to the development of an embarrassing attitude among women toward practicing menstrual hygiene in rural settings. The information gathered on this issue can be utilized by various NGOs and policymakers to make necessary changes. This study was undertaken to assess the knowledge and attitude about menstruation among school teachers, boys, and girls, including the menstrual hygiene practices of the school girls. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at two schools in Sawarde village, Ratnagiri, India, among 450 boys, 361 girls, and 20 teachers from 7th to 12th grade. Analysis of knowledge, attitude, and practice was done using descriptive analysis. Results: 100% of teachers, 72.02% of female students had good knowledge, while only 32.44% of male students had good knowledge. It was found that 100% of teachers, 28.81% of female students, and only 2.89% of male students had positive attitudes about menstruation. It was found that 90.86% of female students used sanitary pads, 36.29% changed their pads three times or more a day, 52.08% used paper to wrap and dispose of pads, 87.26% disposed it into dustbins, 93.63% cleaned genitalia during menses. Conclusions: IEC and behaviour change communication are needed to spread awareness and empower females regarding menstruation and menstrual hygiene. This program should include girls, their families, peers, and the community. Keywords: Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Menstrual hygiene