KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS REGARDING MENSTRUAL HYGIENE AMONG MEN IN THE KANGRA DISTRICT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH, A COMPARATIVE STUDY


Rohit Nadda
Junior Resident, Department of Community Medicine, DRPGMC Kangra Himachal Pradesh, India
Abstract
Introduction: Menstrual hygiene is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of womens health, particularly in rural areas where cultural taboos and limited education prevail. In patriarchal societies like India, men play a significant role in decision-making regarding womens health, yet their awareness of menstrual hygiene remains inadequate. This study aims to bridge this gap by assessing the awareness of menstrual hygiene among married and unmarried men aged 18-35 in selected rural areas of Himachal Pradesh. Objective: This study aims to assess and compare the knowledge and perceptions of menstrual hygiene among married and unmarried men in rural areas of Himachal Pradesh, India. Material and Methods: The study utilized an unmatched case-control design, involving 268 participants from selected villages in Nagrota Bagwan and Shahpur health blocks of Kangra district. Married men were considered as the case group, while unmarried men served as the comparator group. Data were collected through interviews, and statistical analysis was conducted to compare demographic characteristics, education, occupation, socioeconomic status, and knowledge about menstrual hygiene between the two groups. Results: Significant differences were observed between married and unmarried men regarding their awareness and knowledge of menstrual hygiene. Married men exhibited higher levels of awareness, possibly influenced by factors such as age, education, and exposure to household activities with female family members. Conclusion: The study underscores the need for targeted educational interventions focusing on unmarried men to promote positive attitudes and behaviors towards menstrual health. Implementing comprehensive educational programs, encouraging community dialogues, and integrating menstrual hygiene education into existing health services are essential steps toward improving womens reproductive and sexual health outcomes in rural regions.
Keywords: Menstrual hygiene, Awareness, Men, Rural areas, Himachal Pradesh.
Journal Name :
EPRA International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (IJMR)

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Published on : 2024-05-22

Vol : 10
Issue : 5
Month : May
Year : 2024
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