Understanding Women's Perceptions and Practices Regarding Menstrual Hygiene: A Qualitative Study.

Abstract

Background: Menstrual hygiene is a crucial component of women's health and wellbeing. Women still encounter major difficulties in controlling their menstrual periods, though. This qualitative study intends to investigate how women view menstrual hygiene, including the difficulties they encounter and the methods they employ to control their periods. Many women still struggle with menstruation hygiene, especially in low- and middle-income nations. Women may experience considerable difficulties managing their periods due to a lack of access to menstrual products and facilities, cultural taboos and shame around menstruation, and other factors. These issues may have a substantial impact on the health, education, and employment prospects of women.

Methodology: This study used a qualitative research design, employing semi-structured interviews with 20 women of reproductive age (18-30 years) living in urban areas. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically, following an iterative coding and categorization process.

Results: The results of this study showed that several variables, including culture, education, socioeconomic level, and availability of menstruation products, had an impact on how women perceive and practice menstrual hygiene. While some women claimed access to sufficient menstruation products and facilities, others encountered serious difficulties managing their periods due to a lack of access to menstrual products, clean water, and sanitation facilities.

Conclusion: Menstrual hygiene is essential to women's health and wellbeing. For women to manage their periods safely and respectably, access to adequate menstruation products, clean water, and sanitation facilities, education and awareness campaigns, and confronting cultural taboos and stigma are all necessary.