Vol. 10, Special Issue 7 (2021)

Author(s):
Preeti, Vinod Kumari and Jatesh Kathpalia

Abstract:
Menstruation is a normal biological phenomenon with different perceptions associated with it. Every woman has a different perception based on their religious and cultural norms. The onset of menarche is a significant event in a girl’s life and leads to different reactions to this crucial phenomenon. The bodily changes linked with puberty will have an impact in the girl’s physical, psychological and social development. The present study was conducted to ascertain the perceptions of women regarding menstruation from rural, urban and slum areas of Gurugram and Mewat district respectively. A total of 240 respondents (40 each from rural Gurugram and Mewat, 40 each from urban Gurugram and Mewat and 40 each from slum area from Gurugram and Mewat) were surveyed with the help of a pre-designed questionnaire as per objectives. Weighted mean table were used to describe the study variables. The mean age at menarche was found to be 13.1 years and majority of respondents’ (70.8%) first reaction to menarche was fear and surprise. The pattern of menstrual cycle was found regular for 56.2% of respondents. Majority of respondents from Gurugram perceived menstruation as pubertal phenomenon with highest average weighted mean score of 2.75 whereas majority of respondents from Mewat perceived as cleansing of uterus and release of impure blood with highest average weighted mean score of 2.85. It was found that respondents had various perceptions regarding the physiological and emotional changes occur during menstruation. Back pain, abdominal pain and weakness were the most prominent physiological changes felt by the respondents while embarrassment, difficulty in concentrating and irritability were the most prominent emotional changes perceived by respondents. It was revealed by majority of respondents that menstruation affects their sleeping capacity with highest average weighted mean score of 2.37 in Gurugram and 2.39 in Mewat respectively. It is suggested that perceptions of respondent can be improved by raising their awareness and knowledge about menstruation in a scientific way.