A Study of Menstrual Hygiene Management and College Absenteeism among Female Medical and Dental Students in a University of East India.
Introduction: Menstrual Hygiene Management [MHM] has not received attention in reproductive health sectors of developing countries, exposing girls to RTIs. In India, practices are still poorer because of socio cultural taboos. Doctors' being the main health care providers, their knowledge helps transform society. Objectives: To assess the practices of menstrual hygiene among female Medical and Dental undergraduate students in Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences Kalinga Institute of Dental Sciences. To find associations of MHM practices with regards to their parents' education, SES, and religion. To assess the effect of menstruation on college absenteeism among them. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted from 15thApril 15thJuly, 2016. All students present on the day of data collection and giving consent were included.441students participated; a pretested self administered, anonymous questionnaire was used. Data was analysed using EpiInfo (3.5.4) Chi square test was used with p value