Menstrual management among adolescent girls in Uttar Pradesh, India: An examination of interpersonal and mediated communication as delivery mechanisms for practical guidance

Abstract

BackgroundAdolescent girls' right to achieve menstrual health and hygiene management (MHHM) healthfully is yet to be realized. One reason is the lack of practical guidance on the procurement, use, and disposal of menstrual products. This study defined interpersonal practical guidance (IPG) as face-to-face communication and mediated practical guidance (MPG) as social and behavior change communication (SBCC) intervention-driven communications through print and media materials. We examine the impact of these two delivery mechanisms of practical guidance on adolescent MHHM knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) following an SBCC intervention in India.ObjectivesTo understand how IPG and SBCC-driven MPG independently influence adolescent girls’ KAP on the procurement, use, and disposal of menstrual products and whether those who receive both IPG and MPG have better KAP related to the procurement, use, and disposal of menstrual cloth or sanitary pads than those who receive only one form of practical guidance or none at all.MethodsAdolescent girls' questionnaire responses from GARIMA's case-comparison evaluation were analyzed using Stata/SE 17 (n = 2,384). Girls were matched on sociodemographic and socioeconomic variables. χ2 analysis examined relationships between sociodemographic, practical guidance, and KAP variables. Multivariate logistic regression assessed associations between practical guidance and KAP variables.ResultsThere are significant associations between adolescent girls' KAP depending on whether they received IPG, SBCC-driven MPG, or both. IPG and MPG delivered together has greater odds of predicting correct menstrual management KAP than when delivered separately. These effects were most notable for adolescent girls' knowledge and practices related to using and disposing of menstrual hygiene products.ConclusionThere is urgent need to create positive, sustainable changes to address menstrual health and hygiene management. This study introduces an innovative approach that utilizes interpersonal and mediated communication as mechanisms to deliver practical guidance on menstrual management. Future interventions should implement and evaluate to better understand the role of practical guidance in ensuring all women and girls are prepared to confidently manage their menstrual health.

Health Communication Interventions for Promoting Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management in India: A review

“…The communication strategies used in the studies resulted in bringing behavioural changes associated with menstrual hygiene and health practices among girls and women of reproductive age. 4 studies that used SBCC as a tool for communication resulted in bringing changes to existing social norms and personal beliefs [34], increased knowledge about puberty [35], proper discarding of menstruation products like cloth or sanitary pads [36] and proper identification of reproductive disorders [37]. The studies which analysed the role of IEC and interpersonal communication were found to be effective in enhancing the knowledge of a typical menstrual cycle [39], increasing awareness regarding RH and RTIs [42], and addressing myths and prejudices surrounding menstruation during COVID 19 [48].…”

“…A similar study on GARIMA was conducted by Ramaiya et al [35] with the objective to predict whether exposure to SBCC intervention can lead to MHHM. Another study conducted on GARIMA verified how interpersonal practical guidance (IPG) and SBCC influence adolescent girls' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) in terms of purchasing, using, and disposing of menstruation items [36]. A behavior change communication (BCC) intervention among women belonging to the marginalized community, reflected a heightened awareness of the signs and symptoms of general and reproductive problems [37].…”

“…The mediators included in the study such as knowledge, attitudes, interpersonal communication, and restrictions showed a significant association with the behaviours corresponding to MHHM. In the study conducted on Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) by Block et al [36] the participants in the intervention group were more inclined to report having positive views about the appropriate final disposition of products (86.5% vs. 79.4%). Additionally, more girls in the intervention group reported having the correct knowledge and habits regarding the use and disposal of menstrual products than did the comparison group.…”

Pengelolaan Limbah Padat Menstruasi Siswi Sekolah Menengah Pertama di Provinsi Sumatera Barat

“…Temuan penelitian tersebut menekankan pentingnya panduan praktis dan mekanisme komunikasi dalam meningkatkan pengetahuan dan praktik anak perempuan terkait penggunaan dan pembuangan produk kebersihan menstruasi. Penelitian ini menggarisbawahi kebutuhan mendesak akan perubahan yang berkelanjutan untuk mempromosikan manajemen kesehatan dan kebersihan menstruasi yang positif (20) .…”