Knowledge/Awareness and Practices Related to Menstruation Among Female Students: Role of Mother-Daughter Relationship

The present study was aimed to explore the relationship of mother-daughter relationship, knowledge/awareness, and practices during menstruation. Sample consisted of female (N = 317) students of the college and university drawn through convenience sampling technique. Mother-daughter relationship was measured by using Mother-Adult Daughter Questionnaire (Rastogi, 2002). Knowledge/awareness and practices during menstruation were measured by using Practices Misconceptions and Management amongst Adolescent Girls Questionnaire (Ali & Rizvi, 2009). Data were analysed using frequencies and percentages, independent sample t-test, ANOVA, and simple logistic regression. Findings revealed that girls restricted their diet and preferred taking hot foods over cold foods during menstruation. They also experienced food cravings during menstruation. There was a lack of awareness/knowledge among female students regarding menstruation and mothers were one of the sources in promoting misconceptions related to menstruation as well as hygienic practices. It was also found that as age of the girls increased the relationship with mother got weak, while, the girls whose mothers were educated had a better relationship with their mothers. Daughters who interacted with their mothers perceived more menstrual changes. Moreover, girls who used sanitary napkins had better relationship with their mothers. Hence, it was suggested that intervention should be planned involving mother along their daughters for better knowledge and awareness to promote better practices during menstruation which is the most significant aspect of women’s reproductive health.