A STUDY TO ASSESS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PLANNED TEACHING PROGRAMME ON MENSTRUAL HYGIENE KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES AMONG ADOLESCENT GIRLS STUDYING IN SELECTED SCHOOLOF JAMMU, INDIA

Blossoming of adolescence in each generation is as fascinating a sight as the unfolding of spring each year; predictable & repetitive, yet nonetheless enchanting. Menstruation, or periods, is normal vaginal bleeding that occurs as part of a womans’ monthly cycle. India is a country where only 58% of menstruating women have been exposed to safe and hygienic methods of menstrual protection. The remaining face risks of severe health vulnerabilities arising out of the use of home grown alternatives such as hay, dried leaves and old rugs. Therefore, proper menstrual hygiene and correct perceptions and beliefs can protect the womenfolk from this suffering. The main aim of this study is enhance the knowledge and to improve the practices regarding menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls. A pre experimental study was adapted to conduct the study. Target population was adolescent girls in selected schools of Jammu, J&K. A self-structured questionnaire and a checklist was used to assess the knowledge. 300 samples were selected from the target population by purposive sampling. The study revealed that in pre-test knowledge, maximum (64.7%) had moderately adequate knowledge followed by 32.7 had inadequate and only 2.7 had adequate knowledge regarding menstrual hygiene and in terms of practices majority (70.3%) had moderately adequate practices followed by 21.7% had adequate and only 8.0% had inadequate practices regarding menstrual hygiene.