From Myths to Awareness: Assessing the Effectiveness of Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) Training Programme among Rural Adolescent Girls in Kashmir

Abstract

Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) remains a neglected area of public health in many rural parts of India, often constrained by stigma, misinformation, and lack of access to sanitary products. The present study evaluates the effectiveness of a menstrual hygiene management training intervention conducted under the PAKEEZA Project by AGAAZ International in Budgam District, Jammu and Kashmir. Using a quasi-experimental pre–post design, data were collected from 182 adolescent girls in five villages through two structured questionnaires. The pre-training assessment revealed low awareness levels, limited understanding of the biological process of menstruation, and widespread belief in menstrual myths. Post-training results demonstrated significant improvements in knowledge, attitudes, and hygienic practices. Specifically, 76.87% of participants correctly identified menstruation as a biological process, 89.11% reported changing sanitary pads at proper intervals, and 93.19% demonstrated correct washing and storage of reusable pads. Additionally, 55.10% felt comfortable discussing menstruation with family and peers, and 100% normalized periods as a natural biological process. The intervention also promoted eco-friendly menstrual practices, with 72.10% of respondents preferring reusable cloth pads. These findings highlight that participatory, context-sensitive menstrual health education can effectively improve awareness, dispel myths, and foster positive behavioral and attitudinal change among adolescent girls. The study underscores the importance of integrating MHM education into school and community programs to promote sustainable menstrual health literacy and gender-sensitive health empowerment in rural India.