Knowledge of Menstrual Hygiene among Nursing Students at Madurai Medical College: A Descriptive Study

Abstract

Background: Proper menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is critical for women’s health and dignity[6][7]. However, cultural taboos often impede knowledge transfer[8][9]. This study aimed to assess knowledge of menstrual hygiene among nursing students and test whether knowledge is associated with socio-demographic factors.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among first-year B.Sc. Nursing students (N=80) at Madurai Medical College (Tamil Nadu, India). Participants completed a validated 30-item menstrual hygiene knowledge questionnaire[1]. Correct answers were scored 1 point each; total scores ≤15, 16–23, and ≥24 were classified as inadequate, moderate, and adequate knowledge[2]. Descriptive statistics (mean±SD, frequencies) and chi-square tests were computed (α=0.05).

Results: The mean knowledge score was 16.0 (SD 3.5) out of 30. Only 14 students (17.5%) had adequate knowledge, 50 (62.5%) moderate, and 16 (20.0%) inadequate (Table 2). This pattern parallels previous findings (e.g., Nahar et al. 2019 reported 17.9% adequate, 62.3% moderate in Bangladesh[3]). Chi-square analysis showed no significant association between knowledge level and any socio-demographic variable (supporting H₀ over H₁)[4].

Conclusions: Nursing students’ menstrual hygiene knowledge is largely moderate, with a substantial minority lacking adequate knowledge. These gaps persist despite professional training, echoing other studies[10][11]. Educators should reinforce menstrual health topics in the nursing curriculum. Educational interventions (e.g., nurse-led programs) have proven effective in boosting knowledge[5].