Menstrual restrictions among young females in urban slums of Cochin

Authors

  • Maya Chacko Department of Community Medicine and Public Health, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India
  • Charutha Retnakumar Department of Community Medicine and Public Health, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India
  • Devraj Ramakrishnan Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Idukki, Kerala, India
  • Leyanna Susan George Department of Community Medicine and Public Health, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India
  • Vijayakumar Krishnapillai Department of Community Medicine and Public Health, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20195864

Keywords:

Menstrual restrictions, Urban slums, Cross sectional study

Abstract

Background: Menstruation is associated with taboos and socio-cultural restrictions. The social and cultural significance of menstruation interacts with the physiological process to produce culturally determined norms and practices. This study was conducted among young females aged 15-35 years from urban slums of Kochi, India. The objective was to assess prevalence, factors, and patterns of restrictions faced by young females during menstruation.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 130 young females in three urban slums of Kochi. A pre-formed pretested questionnaire was used. Data were analysed statistically by simple proportions.

Results: Only 8.8% young females felt they had restrictions during menstruation but when asked in detail 88% had socio-religious restrictions. Source for restrictions was traditionally followed patterns 60.8%, patterns taught by elderly mainly mother or mother in law 11.2% and self-imposed restrictions 28%. Reasons for restriction are that 14.4% considered it was good and give rest to the body, 8% women think they are unclean and 57.6% women fear to disobey religious restrictions. 77.6% of Women felt these restrictions are necessary and 40.8% felt restrictions do not need change. Out of 22.4% who felt religious restrictions were unnecessary only 1.6% were affected by religious restrictions.

Conclusions: Only a few (8.8%) felt they had restrictions and more than two-third had restrictions (88%) and felt these restrictions are necessary (77.6%). This paper explains restrictions practiced and the origin of such restrictions during menstruation. The key issues identified from the community will be an asset to combat restrictions.

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Published

2019-12-25

How to Cite

Chacko, M., Retnakumar, C., Ramakrishnan, D., George, L. S., & Krishnapillai, V. (2019). Menstrual restrictions among young females in urban slums of Cochin. International Journal Of Community Medicine And Public Health, 7(1), 264–268. https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20195864

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Original Research Articles