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].
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References
5 references- [1]. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 7). Healthy habits: Menstrual hygiene. Retrieved June 2, 2026, from https://www.cdc.gov/hygiene/about/menstrual-hygiene.html[7].
- [2]. Kanakarajan, S., & Govindaraj, H. (2023). A study to assess the effectiveness of nurse led education programme on menstrual hygiene among nursing students studying in selected nursing college. International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), 12(11), 204–208.
- [3]. Nahar, N. S., Khatun, R., Halim, K. M. A., Islam, S., & Muhammad, F. (2019). Assessment of knowledge and practice of menstrual hygiene among the female nursing students in a selected private nursing college in Dhaka City. International Journal of Reproduction, Contraception, Obstetrics and Gynecology, 8(5), 1847–1851.
- [4]. World Bank. (n.d.). Menstrual health and hygiene. Retrieved June 2, 2026, from https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/water/brief/menstrual-health-and-hygiene[6].
- Zaman, M. N. U., Sai, A., & Yamauchi, T. (2026). Knowledge, economic, and WASH challenges affecting menstrual health and hygiene among nursing students in Bangladesh using a mixed-methods approach. Scientific Reports, 16, 12932.
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