Impact of Health Educational Program on Menstrual Beliefs and Practices of Adolescent Egyptian Girls at Secondary Technical Nursing School.

Abstract

Background: Menstruation and menstrual practices are still clouded by socio-cultural restrictions resulting in adolescent girls remaining ignorant of the scientific facts and hygienic health practices, which sometimes result into adverse health outcomes. Aim of study: is to assess the impact of health educational program on menstrual beliefs and practices of adolescent girls at secondary technical nursing school. Material and Methods: Interventional study was conducted on 97 adolescents at secondary technical nursing school of Damanhour City, El-Behara Governorate, Egypt. A designed questionnaire was administered and later health education regarding menstruation and healthy menstrual practices was imparted to girls. Post-test was done after 3 months to assess the impact of the program. Results: It was observed that 41.2% gained their knowledge from their friends. Menstrual practices among them was found to be fair before the program, while in the post-test, there were a significant differences in student's level of knowledge and practices. There was a negative correlation between mothers' education and students' practices. Conclusion and Recommendations: The level of students' knowledge regarding menstruation and menstrual hygiene practices improved after the program. Therefore, it is recommended to implement health educational programs about menstrual hygiene to preparatory and secondary school students to improve their menstrual knowledge, believes and practices. (Reem Bassiouny El-Lassy and Abeer Abd El-Aziz Madian. Impact of Health Educational Program on Menstrual Beliefs and Practices of Adolescent Egyptian Girls at Secondary Technical Nursing School)Life Sci. J. 2013; 10(2):335-345). (ISSN: 1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com.52