A Cross Sectional Study of Knowledge and Practices about Reproductive Health among Female Adolescents in an Urban Slum of Mumbai

To study knowledge about reproductive health among female adolescents and to assess their treatment seeking behavior regarding reproductive health problems in an urban slum of Mumbai. Cross sectional descriptive study was undertaken in an urban slum area of Mumbai for period of 3 months. All adolescent girls from 10 - 19 years of age, who had attained menarche, attending general OPD and STI clinic were included. Subjects were interviewed face to face using pretested semi-structured questionnaire after obtaining informed consent. The questionnaire contained information regarding socio demographic parameters and that related to reproductive health i.e. menstrual hygiene, knowledge and practices related to HIV / AIDS, contraception, abortion, Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP), etc. and their treatment seeking behavior in last 3 months for reproductive health problems. Privacy and confidentiality was strictly maintained. Analysis was done with SPSS version 17. Seventy nine (32.8%) subjects had unsatisfactory menstrual hygienic practices. Two hundred twelve (88%) women were aware about availability of ANC services. Sixty six percent of women had correct knowledge of modes of transmission of HIV while only 18.7% knew about safe sexual practices. Education status and early adolescents age group (10 -14 years) was found to be significantly associated with knowledge of adolescents regarding menstruation. Female adolescents should be given appropriate knowledge regarding puberty and sexual health to help them confidently deal with their reproductive and sexual health issues.