Menstrual Hygiene Management Among Adolescent Girls in Tamil Nadu
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63300/arjst10905202504Abstract
Adolescence marks a critical transition from childhood to adulthood, particularly for girls, involving significant physical, psychological, and behavioural changes. Menarche, a key milestone in this development, is often surrounded by cultural taboos, with menstruation perceived as unclean in many societies. Lack of open communication and credible education perpetuates ignorance, negatively impacting reproductive health and well-being. Socio-cultural restrictions, including seclusion and familial taboos, reinforce misconceptions, limiting girls' knowledge about menstruation. Effective Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) is essential for adolescent girls' health, yet many face challenges due to inadequate awareness, social stigma, and poor Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities. Poor MHM contributes to health risks (e.g., infections), psychosocial distress, school absenteeism, and environmental waste issues. Addressing MHM aligns with Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), particularly MDG-2 (Education), MDG-3 (Gender Equality), and MDG-5 (Maternal Health).
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Bodat, S., Ghate, M. M., & Majumdar, J. R. (2013). School absenteeism during menstruation among rural adolescent girls in Pune. *National Journal of Community Medicine*, 4, 212–216.
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UNICEF. (2013). Water, sanitation and hygiene in primary schools in SouthEast Asian countries. *Realities, needs and recommendations*. Bangkok: United Nations Children's Fund, East Asia and Pacific Regional Office.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Mr. S. Jeevakumar, Dr. V. Ashok Kumar, Dr. E. Karthikeyan (Author)

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