Assessment of knowledge, practice and perception of menstruation among adult women in the reproductive age group, in Mangalore, India

Background: Women often lack knowledge regarding reproductive health including menstruation which can be due to socio-cultural barriers in which they grow up. The present study is aimed at assessing the level of knowledge regarding menstruation and hygienic practices and perceptions during menstruation.Methods: It was a cross sectional study, conducted among 110 adult women to assess their knowledge regarding menstruation, practices followed during menstruation and their perceptionof menstruation. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS version 17. 0. Chi square test was applied. P<0.05 was considered to be significant.Results: Only 52% of the study population has satisfactory knowledge regarding menstruation. Women between 15 to 20 years of age and those from the middle and higher socio-economic groups seem to possess maximum knowledge regarding menstruation. Women of the higher socio-economic group practice better sanitary measures during menstruation with 100% of them using pads, as compared to women of lower socio economic group who showed a trend of using cloth (87.5%). Women of the upper socio-economic class (42.78%) had better perception towards menstruation (p<0.05).Conclusions: It is very important that lower socio-economic group should be educated about the importance of maintaining hygiene during menstruation by proper health education and equip them with skills regarding safe and hygienic practices to prevent the risk for reproductive tract infections

Factors influencing social and community participation of people with spinal cord injury in Karnataka, India

Background: Social and community participation are major indicators to assess the adequacy of treatment and rehabilitation in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). This study examined the relationship between functional independence, level of disability, and social and community participation among people with SCI in India. Materials and Method: In this cross sectional study, 110 persons with SCI, aged 18 years and above participated in a community setting, in Karnataka, India. Spinal Cord Independence Measure Version III-self-reporting (SCIM III-SR), Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique (CHART), and WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS) were the clinical outcome measures. Spearman's correlation and stepwise multiple linear regression were done to determine association and identify the factors determining the community participation of people with SCI. Results: CHART physical independence had a positive correlation with SCIM self-care (R = 0.446) and SCIM mobility (r = 0.434). CHART cognitive independence (R = -0.38) and CHART mobility (R = -0.396) had a weak correlation with WHODAS. SCIM self-care and SCIM mobility (R2 = 0.34) were determinants of CHART cognitive independence. SCIM respiratory and sphincter management and SCIM self-care (R2 = 0.327) were determinants of CHART mobility. Conclusion: Self-care and mobility of people with SCI determine their ability to successfully reintegrate into the community, warranting a comprehensive community rehabilitation program