ABSTRACT:
Background: Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) remains a public health concern in India due to persistent knowledge gaps and socio-cultural stigma. Objective: To systematically review and meta-analyze evidence on knowledge and attitudes regarding menstruation across Indian states, including focused synthesis of Rajasthan studies. Methods: PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched (2000–2025). Cross-sectional, interventional, and mixed-method studies assessing knowledge and/or attitudes toward menstruation among adolescent girls and women in India were included. Random-effects meta-analysis estimated pooled prevalence of adequate knowledge. Results: A total of 214 studies met inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of adequate menstrual knowledge was 52% (95% CI: 47–57%). Pre-menarche awareness ranged from 32% to 68% across states. Restrictive attitudes were reported in 60–80% of participants nationally. Rajasthan demonstrated moderate knowledge (45–58%) but high prevalence of cultural restrictions (65–82%). Educational interventions significantly improved knowledge (SMD 0.84, p<0.001). Conclusion: Despite increased sanitary product access, knowledge and negative attitudes remain substantial across Indian states. Region-specific educational strategies are required.
Cite this article:
Preeti Chouhan. Knowledge and Attitudes regarding Menstruation and Menstrual Hygiene in India: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis with State-Level Synthesis. International Journal of Nursing Education and Research. 2026;14(3):253-6. doi: 10.52711/2454-2660.2026.00051
Cite(Electronic):
Preeti Chouhan. Knowledge and Attitudes regarding Menstruation and Menstrual Hygiene in India: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis with State-Level Synthesis. International Journal of Nursing Education and Research. 2026;14(3):253-6. doi: 10.52711/2454-2660.2026.00051 Available on: https://www.ijneronline.com/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2026-14-3-16
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