author(s)
Varalakshmi, Lokeshwari B, Arunya A and Pavithra S

abstract
Menstruation is a normal physiological process of females at their reproductive age. There is lack of awareness on the process of menstruation and proper requirements for managing menstruation among women. Poor menstrual hygiene and inadequate self-care are major determinants of morbidity and other complications among women. Learning about menstrual hygiene is a vital part of health education for women so that they can continue throughout their life. The main objective of this study to conducted to assess the knowledge and practice regarding menstrual hygiene among women in reproductive age group in rural area, Erayamangalam. Quantitative approach and a descriptive design one group pre-test and post-test design were adopted. The sample size was 30 reproductive age women selected by using convenient sampling technique from Erayamangalam. Sample includes reproductive age group women in rural area, who fulfil the inclusion criteria were selected. The study finding revealed that knowledge and practice about menstrual hygiene among women post-test mean score of knowledge was 12.17 with Standard Deviation 3.97 was higher than the pre-test mean score of knowledge was 6.40 with Standard Deviation 3.20. The calculated paired ‘t’ test value of t= 5.634 was found to be statistically highly significant at (P< 0.001) association between post-test knowledge scores and socio-demographic variables. This demonstrates a need to design acceptable awareness creation and advocacy programs to improve the knowledge and promote safe hygienic practice of reproductive age group women during menstruation.