International Journal of Innovative Research in Health Science

Introduction: Menstrual hygiene is an important component of adolescent reproductive health. Inadequate information, misconceptions and socio-cultural restrictions may influence menstrual hygiene knowledge and practices among adolescent girls. Aim: To determine the effectiveness of a structured teaching programme on knowledge and reported practice regarding menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls. Methods: A quantitative descriptive research design was employed. The study included 50 antenatal mothers diagnosed with hypertension, gestational diabetes mellitus, or thyroid disorders who were recruited through purposive sampling at a Government Urban Primary Health Centre, Sakthi Nagar, Chennai. Data were gathered using a structured tool. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were applied for analysis. Results: At pre-test, 27% of girls had poor knowledge, 40% had moderate knowledge and 33% had adequate knowledge. At post-test, all participants (100%) had adequate knowledge. The mean knowledge score increased from 13.47 ± 3.95 to 24.28 ± 0.67, with a paired t-value of 21.73 (df=59, p=0.001). Reported practice improved from 33% adequate, 50% moderate and 17% poor at pre-test to 81.7% adequate, 16.7% moderate and 1.7% poor at post-test. The mean practice score increased from 13.78 ± 1.76 to 15.25 ± 1.002, with a paired t-value of 6.04 (df=59, p=0.001). A significant association was identified between pre-test knowledge and age (χ²=11.89, p=0.003). Conclusion: The structured teaching programme was effective in improving knowledge and reported menstrual hygiene practice among adolescent girls. School-based menstrual health education may support the development of healthier menstrual hygiene practices.