Knowledge Gaps in Reproductive and Sexual Health Among School Going Adolescent Girls in Western Uttar Pradesh, India

Ridhi Mehra

Ridhi Mehra Assistant Professor, North DMC Medical College and Hindu Rao Hospital, Delhi, India

Keywords: Adolescent girls, Menstruation, Menstrual hygiene, Menstrual hygiene practices, Pre-menstrual Syndrome

Abstract

Background: Adolescence represents a critical developmental phase bridging childhood and adulthood. During this period, girls often encounter multiple social and health-related challenges. Limited awareness of reproductive and sexual health exposes them to risks such as poor menstrual hygiene, unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, reproductive tract infections (RTIs), and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS.

Objectives: The present study was conducted to assess the level of knowledge and awareness regarding reproductive and sexual health among school-going adolescent girls. Material and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out between November 2020 and October 2022 in the urban field practice area of a tertiary care institution. The study included 1,000 adolescent girls aged 10–19 years who had attained menarche.

Results: The majority of participants were aged 14–16 years. In total, 574 participants (57.4%) used sanitary pads, and 304 (30.4%) used cloth pieces. Only 12.2% of adolescent girls who were having reproductive health morbidities were willing to seek health care. Condoms (87.7%) and oral contraceptive pills (59.3%) were the most commonly known methods of family planning. Regarding the awareness of HIV/AIDS, 63.2% of adolescent girls had heard of it; 28.9% knew that it could be prevented; and 42.4% knew about the modes of transmission. Conclusion: Significant gaps exist in knowledge related to RTIs/STIs, HIV/ AIDS, and reproductive health education. Integrating comprehensive reproductive health education into adolescent development is essential.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2349.2880.202602

How to cite this article:
Mehra R. Knowledge Gaps in Reproductive and Sexual Health Among School Going Adolescent Girls in Western Uttar Pradesh, India. Ind J Youth Adol Health. 2026;13(1):14-22.

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