A KAP STUDY ON MENSTRUATION AND ASSESSMENT OF DIETARY HABITS AMONG SCHOOL GOING GIRLS (12-16 YEARS) OF PRIVATE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN HYDERABAD

Abstract

The first Menstruation also called as 'MENARCHE' is an indicator of developmental maturation in girls. Although menstruation is a natural process, it is associated with many misconceptions and practices which might sometimes result into adverse outcomes. Diet plays a very important role in growth and development of adolescent girls, during which the development of healthy eating habits is of supreme importance. The aim of the study is to assess the KAP regarding menstruation and to assess the nutritional status and dietary habits of the adolescent school going girls. The study also aims at imparting health education regarding menstruation and dietary habits and to obtain feedback about the same. This descriptive Cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 private school going girls of Hyderabad. A self-administered questionnaire was given to collect data regarding KAP on menstruation and a self-designed Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was used to obtain information on dietary habits. The data was analysed using MS Excel and SPSS Software. 64.5% (n=129) had poor knowledge, 97% (n=194) had a positive attitude. The practice scores of 92.5% (n=185) were found to be good. Cereals, milk and milk products and vegetables were consumed by most of the students on a daily basis. 37.5% and 42% of the subjects included fruits and non-veg daily. Many respondents consumed pulses only twice a week. Consumption of junk food on a daily basis was seen in 41% students. The mean age at menarche was found to be 12.02 years with a SD of 0.826 years. Many students were found to have a low BMI of is less than 18.5 kg/m². Mother was the primary information for majority of the students. Many students did not include pulses (dals), green leafy vegetables and nuts and seeds on a daily basis. The overall dietary habits of the students were found to be unsatisfactory. Most of the respondents felt that the health education session was very informative and effective.