Hygiene and Sanitation among Adolescent Girls
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48001/978-81-966500-4-9-5Keywords:
Hygiene, Adolescence, Government Scheme, MenstruationAbstract
Good menstrual hygiene is crucial for the health, dignity, and well-being of girls and women. Open discussions about menstruation are vital to dispel myths and misconceptions, particularly among adolescent girls. Proper menstrual hygiene improves personal comfort, increases mobility, and reduces the risk of infections caused by poor practices. Educating girls on maintaining hygiene during menstruation can also enhance school attendance, as many girls may otherwise miss school or drop out altogether.
In India, cultural taboos often restrict young girls' participation in religious, cultural, and household activities during menstruation, viewing them as impure. Promoting a modern understanding of menstruation from early adolescence can encourage safe behaviors and alleviate the stigma faced by millions of women. Comprehensive health education, emphasizing menstrual hygiene, is essential to prevent reproductive health issues. In this context, parents, teachers, and school health workers play a pivotal role in imparting this critical knowledge, fostering a supportive environment, and ensuring better health outcomes for adolescent girls.
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References
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