Download PDF
CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · Journal of Health and Allied Sciences NU 2016; 06(02): 010-013
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1708631
Original Article

A Descriptive Study on Cultural Practices about Menarche and Menstruation

Soumya,
Sequira Leena
2   Assistant Professor, Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka, India
› Author Affiliations
› Further Information
Also available at
  PDF Download Permissions and Reprints

Abstract

A descriptive study on cultural practices about menarche and menstruation was done with the objective to identify the cultural practices related to menarche and menstruation among women and to compare the difference in the cultural practices of different religions. A survey approach was used and subjects aged 18years and above were included in the study. Data were collected using demographic proforma and practice questionnaire on menarche and menstruation. Findings of the study revealed that 37% of the sample celebrates menarche and th 13% of the sample offered special pooja after 7th day of menarche.83% of the sample does not offer pooja/namaz and visit temple during menstruation. 68% of the sample do not apply kumkum which is offered to God. Hindus practice different practices like not applying the kumkum (100%) which is offered to God, do not visit temples (100%), enter the pooja room (92%), attend the religious functions (100%). where as Christians are not following any practices and Muslims (100%) cut nails, shave private part and are not doing namaz for seven days.

Conclusion: The findings of the present study revealed that majority of the Hindus believe that menstruation is unclean and they follow different practices.

Keywords

Menarche and menstruation - cultural practices - religion


Publication History

Received: 04 May 2015

Accepted: 14 May 2016

Article published online:
22 April 2020

© .

Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Private Ltd.
A-12, Second Floor, Sector -2, NOIDA -201301, India

 

  • References

  • 1 Cevrime.A.S, et.al, the perception of menarche and menstruation among Turkish married women: attitude, experiences and behaviors, sbp journal 38(3);381-394
  • 2 Swenson. I, Hevans.B, Menstrual perception and preparation among female adolescents, ncbi.com, 15(5):406-11
  • 3 Kumar A, Srivastava K. Cultural and social practices regarding menstruation among adolescent girls. Social work public health, 2011; 26(6):594-604.
  • 4 Ann N Cultural perceptions and practices around menarche and adolescent menstruation in the United States, pub med.gov, 1135:58-86
  • 5 Karapanou O, Papadimitriou A, Determinants of menarche, pub med.gov; 8:115
  • 6 Deo, DS & Ghattargi CH (2005). Perceptions and practices regarding menstruation: A comparative study in urban and rural adolescent girls. Indian Journal of Community Medicine, 30 (1), 33–34
  • 7 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health
  • 8 http://stti.confex.com/stti/congrs08/techprogram/paper_40139.htm