SAROJA, K.INAMATI, VIJAYALAXMI2019-02-202019-02-2021-01-04TH-6947http://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/5810096066This exploratory study was conducted on a randomized sample of 90 rural and 90 urban school girls, who have reached menarche from government schools in Dharwad taluka. Interviews were conducted using a self-constructed, pretested schedule for data collection. The data were analysed in frequencies and percentages. Results revealed that, majority of rural and urban girls came from low socio-economic class and from nuclear families. Mothers of majority of respondents studied upto only primary school. Majority of respondents were found to have reached menarche around 13-14 years of age. In majority of girls, the period of menses was 5 days. In case of rural respondents the length of the menstrual cycle was found to be longer than those from urban girls. Majority (89%) of girls found to be suffering from, on an average of three menstrual problems, requiring medical treatment. The most common problems among rural and urban girls was lower-stomUch pain and pre-menstrual tension respectively. Majority did not take treatment, since they considered these problems as natural and universal. All girls took bath once a day during menses and barring four girls, the rest used old clothes as sanitary pods. Eventhough all girls knew about the interval between menses and period of menses, only few had the knowledge of process of menstruation and its importance in reproduction. Eventhough all schools were found to have toilets, majority of the girls were found to be not using them during menses, as these toilets were not well maintained lacking in water facilities and privacy. The study recommended proper education of school girls regarding the menstrual cycle and its relation to reproduction, importance of taking treatment for menstrual problems and the required proper sanitary care. Good maintenance of toilets with good privacy and water supply were recommended.ennullThesis