Religious restrictions and cultural taboos related to menstruation in adolescent girls: A school-based cross-sectional observational study

Abstract

Introduction: The period of adolescence needs special attention because of the turmoil an adolescent faces at different stages of development, different circumstances and needs, and diverse problems. In India, there are multiple restrictions and taboos related to menstruation. In many communities, the mention of the topic is taboo even today. Objective: To evaluate the religious restrictions and other taboos practiced during menstruation by adolescent school girls. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted
in four schools. Girls in the age group of 13-18 years, who have attained menarche and gave verbal consent to participate, were included in the study. A pre-designed, validated questionnaire that captured information on the cultural taboos practiced during menstruation was administered to the participants. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 15 and the percentage of menstral taboos that were practiced on average was determined. Factor analysis was done to determine the most practiced taboo. Results: A total of 1522 adolescent girls participated in the study. The average age of attaining menarche was 13.08±3.5 years. 81.2% (n=1236) of the participants, predominantly from the Hindu community, did not attend religious functions during menstruation. More than half of them (56.6%) did not sleep in their usual place during menstruation. 40.1% of them (n=611) were not allowed to enter the kitchen. 69.3% (n=1054) of the participants had restrictions on certain food items. Only 5.4% (n=82) of them did not go to school during menstruation. Factor analysis showed that the two most important factors contributing to the taboos were restrictions on religious functions and on sleeping in the same place. Menstrual taboos were prevalent more in younger and less-educated girls (p=0.037 and 0.000, respectively). Conclusion: Restrictions during menstruation are still prevalent in many communities. The two most important cultural taboos are sleep restrictions and religious restrictions. Cultural taboos are prevalent more among less-educated and younger adolescent girls.