Assessment of Knowledge and Practice of Menstrual Hygiene Among Female Students in Multidisciplinary Private University

Abstract

Background: Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is a critical but often neglected component of women's health, especially among adolescent and young adult females in low- and middle-income countries. Despite increasing awareness, educational gaps and poor hygienic practices persist due to socio-cultural taboos, inadequate health education, and limited access to sanitary facilities. Objective: This study aimed to assess and improve the knowledge and practices of menstrual hygiene among female students in a multidisciplinary private university through a structured educational intervention, evaluating pre- and post-intervention changes in awareness, behavior, and menstruation-related absenteeism. Methods: A quasi-experimental pre-post study was conducted from February to June 2025 at Green International University, Lahore, involving 40 female students aged ≥18 years selected via simple random sampling. Inclusion criteria encompassed informed consent and menstruation experience; those with prior MHM training were excluded. A validated questionnaire assessed knowledge and practice levels before and after the intervention. SPSS version 27 was used for statistical analysis; paired t-tests and odds ratios measured effect size and significance (p<0.05). Ethical approval was obtained under the Helsinki Declaration. Results: Post-intervention mean knowledge and practice scores increased significantly (Δ = 24.93 and 33.75, respectively; p<0.001), with absenteeism rates decreasing from 55% to 30% across academic years. Effect sizes were large (Cohen’s d >2.0), indicating clinically meaningful improvements. Conclusion: Structured menstrual health education significantly enhances knowledge and hygiene practices while reducing menstruation-related absenteeism, supporting its integration into university health programs to improve female student well-being.