Breaking the Silence: Menstrual Hygiene Knowledge and Practices Among Adolescent Girls in Rural Gorkha, Nepal

Abstract

Objectives: This study assessed the level of knowledge and practice regarding menstrual
hygiene among adolescent schoolgirls in Bhimsen Thapa Rural Municipality, Gorkha,
Nepal, and examined key factors influencing these outcomes.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from May 25 to June 1, 2024, involving
448 adolescent girls. Data were gathered using a structured, self-administered questionnaire
and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25.0. Multivariate binary logistic regression
was performed to identify significant predictors, with adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and
95% confidence intervals (CIs) reported.
Results: The analysis revealed that 69% of respondents had good knowledge of menstrual
hygiene, but only 28.6% exhibited proper hygiene practices. Alarmingly, just 1.6% disposed
of used sanitary pads in appropriate dustbins. Girls aged 17–19 had significantly higher
odds of possessing good knowledge [AOR = 7.78; 95% CI: 1.83–32.99], as did those
from middle-income families [AOR = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.31–0.85]. Moreover, adolescents
whose mothers had attained secondary or higher education were more likely to practice
better hygiene [AOR = 1.69; 95% CI: 1.04–2.77].
Conclusions: Despite a moderate level of awareness, hygienic practices among the girls
were notably low. This gap highlights the need for targeted interventions to improve
menstrual hygiene behaviors. Integrating menstrual health education into the school’s
Breaking the Silence: Menstrual Hygiene Knowledge and Practices Among Adolescent Girls in Rural Gorkha, Nepal 28
integrated curriculum and conducting parent-focused sessions could foster communitylevel understanding and support. Promoting awareness and empowering adolescent girls
through education and parental involvement are essential to enhancing menstrual hygiene
management in rural Nepal.