Abstract

Background: Menstrual hygiene is a crucial component of adolescent health, particularly in developing countries where cultural taboos, lack of education, and poor access to sanitary products often lead to inadequate menstrual hygiene practices. This can result in serious health consequences such as urinary tract infections, reproductive tract infections, and even long-term complications like pelvic inflammatory disease. Objectives: The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of an information booklet in improving knowledge regarding menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls in selected high schools in Surajpur district, Chhattisgarh. Methods: A pre-experimental one-group pre-test post-test design was employed. The study was conducted among 40 adolescent girls aged 12–19 years using a purposive sampling technique. Data were collected through a self-structured knowledge questionnaire. A pre-test was administered, followed by distribution of an information booklet, and a post-test was conducted after 7 days. Statistical analysis included descriptive (mean, SD, percentage) and inferential statistics (Chi-square test, paired t-test). Results: In the pre-test, 57.5% of participants had poor knowledge, 35% had average knowledge, and only 7.5% had good knowledge. After the intervention, 77.5% achieved good knowledge scores, 22.5% had average knowledge, and none remained in the poor knowledge category. The mean pre-test score was 9.92 and post-test score was 23.75, showing a significant improvement. A significant association was observed between knowledge scores and variables such as age, education, mother’s education, and previous awareness about menstrual hygiene. Conclusion: The information booklet was found to be effective in significantly improving the knowledge of adolescent girls regarding menstrual hygiene. Educational interventions like booklets are simple yet impactful tools in promoting adolescent reproductive health.

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