An exploratory study to assess the myths related to menstruation among students in a selected university of Delhi

Abstract

Background: Menstruation is a natural biological process unique to girls. In India, it has always been surrounded by some baseless, untrue, and unscientific myths and taboos that have immense negative impact on the emotional, socio-cultural, educational, lifestyle, and physical health of girls and women. Limited knowledge and understanding about menstruation are the main obstructions to addressing those taboos and misconceptions.
Methodology: The research approach adopted for the study was a quantitative approach with an exploratory research design. The tool developed for the data collection was a structured checklist. The sample consisted of 200 undergraduate students from the Schools of Law and Biotechnology at Jamia Hamdard. Samples were selected by convenient sampling.
Results: The maximum number of students, i.e., 48%, were in the age group between 17 and 19 years; regarding religion, 44% were Hindu and Muslim each; 72% were from nuclear families, and the majority got the first-time information about menstruation from social media. The majority of the students, i.e., 92%, supported the myth that a missed menstruation is always a sign of pregnancy; 89% believed that one can’t touch plants during menstruation and, doing so, plants will die, whereas 65% believed that intercourse during the menstrual cycle will cause infection in partners, and two women who spend time together sync their period dates.
Conclusion: The majority of subjects were aware of the myths related to menstruation. Further, educational and awareness programs could be conducted to improve menstrual health and dispel myths and misconceptions related to menstruation.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2455.9318.202509

How to cite this article:
Rajlaxmi, Lal V. An Exploratory Study to Assess the Myths Related to Menstruation Among Students in a Selected University of Delhi. Int J Nurs Midwif Res. 2025;12(1&2):61-65.