Menstrual hygiene (MH) among adolescent girls in India is a critical public health issue. It has far-reaching implications for their health, employment, education, and overall well-being. This article uses a narrative review to synthesize scholarly literature indexed in Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to provide a comprehensive understanding of the status, challenges, and consequences of menstrual hygiene practices among this population. The review highlights significant gaps in pre-menarcheal awareness, the urban-rural divide in hygiene practices, and the profound influence of socio-cultural taboos and restrictions that perpetuate stigma and silence. Limited access to affordable menstrual products and inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities further exacerbate these challenges. Poor menstrual hygiene is linked to increased risks of reproductive tract infections, psychological distress, and significant school absenteeism, hindering educational attainment and perpetuating gender inequalities. While government and non-governmental initiatives are underway, their effectiveness is limited by implementation challenges and persistent socio-cultural barriers. The review concludes by recommending a holistic approach encompassing comprehensive education, improved access to resources, community engagement, and supportive policy changes to ensure that adolescent girls in India can manage menstruation with dignity and health. Keywords: Menstrual Hygiene, Reproductive Health, Taboo, Health Education, Adolescent
Kumari et al. (Fri,) studied this question.
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