1Postgraduate, Department of Community Medicine, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Kelambakkam-603103, Tamil Nadu, India. Email: aadithyad70@gmail.com
2Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Kelambakkam-603103, Tamil Nadu, India. Email: manoj1994jonam@gmail.com
3Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Kelambakkam-603103, Tamil Nadu, India. Email: drkannan121@gmail.com
4Assistant Professor, Sri Venkateshwaraa Medical College and Research Centre, Department of Community Medicine, Puducherry-605107, India. Email: drdorthyjohn@gmail.com
5Senior Resident, Department of Community Medicine, Rajalakshmi Medical College, Rajalakshmi Health City, Pennalur-602117, Tamil Nadu, India. Email: randaned@gmail.com
*Corresponding Author: Dr Manoj P, Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Kelambakkam-603103, Tamil Nadu, India. Email: manoj1994jonam@gmail.com
Received: 18th Oct, 2025; Revised: 17th Dec, 2025; Accepted: 18th Jan, 2026; Available Online: 15th Feb, 2026
Background: Adolescence is a crucial developmental stage marked by the onset of menstruation, a natural biological process that requires adequate knowledge and hygienic practices for healthy management. In India, menstrual hygiene challenges persist due to limited awareness, cultural restrictions, and poor access to safe sanitary products. Strengthening knowledge and promoting proper menstrual hygiene practices through school-based health education is essential for improving adolescent girls' well-being.
Objectives: To assess existing knowledge, attitudes, and menstrual hygiene practices among school-going adolescent girls; to evaluate the impact of health education on their menstrual hygiene knowledge and practices; to identify sociodemographic factors influencing menstrual hygiene behaviours; and to estimate the prevalence of menstrual problems.
Materials & Methods: A pre-test/post-test study was conducted among 502 school-going adolescent girls aged 10–17 years in Chengalpattu district. Participants were divided into two independent groups: pre-test (n = 251) and post-test (n = 251). Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering knowledge, menstrual characteristics, practices, and problems. Health education sessions were delivered between assessments. Data were analysed using frequencies, percentages, and chi-square tests to assess associations between sociodemographic factors and menstrual hygiene practices.
Results: Post-test findings showed marked improvements in several knowledge indicators, including awareness of menstrual hygiene (63.7% to 68.9%), interval between cycles (74.1% correct), and awareness of eco-friendly absorbents (59.0%). Hygienic practices improved significantly: use of reusable pads (1.6% to 7.2%), changing absorbents ≥3 times/day (32.6% to 45.4%), bathing twice daily (32.3% to 39.0%), and use of soap and water for cleaning genitals (30.7% to 45.4%). Significant associations were observed between age, mother's education, socioeconomic status and key practices. Prevalence of dysmenorrhea remained high (63.7% pre-test; 69.7% post-test).
Conclusion: Health education effectively enhanced menstrual hygiene knowledge and improved hygienic practices among adolescent girls. Continued school-based awareness programs and parental involvement are essential to strengthen safe menstrual hygiene behaviours.
Keywords: Menstrual hygiene, adolescent girls, health education, hygiene practices, menstrual knowledge.
How to cite this article: Aadithya D, Manoj P, Rajesh Kannan S, Dorthy V, Rajan Edward Daniel Thomas.., Impact of Health Education on Menstrual Hygiene Knowledge and Practices Among School-Going Adolescent Girls in Chengalpattu District..Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026; 16(2): 303-309; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.2.32
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None