Vol. 3, Issue 11, Part E (2017)

Abstract

Reproductive health had been a neglected area in demographic research in India in the past. This neglect has largely been due to the shyness of the people in explaining about the diseases affecting reproductive systems and its related problems. Few studies acknowledged the association between menstrual hygiene and Reproductive Tract Infection (RTIs). The symptoms of RTIs, if not treated, may lead to dangerous situations. So it is necessary to understand the problems existing among the adolescent girls. The Objectives of the study F Analyse the awareness about menstrual problems on different aspects of reproductive health among adolescent girls F Identify the actual problems faced by them F Suggest solutions for these problems Data and Methods The study is based on Primary data taken from 526 adolescent unmarried girls spread over Rural and Urban areas of Thiruvananthapuram. The details were collected basically on the problems related to adolescent reproductive health. Analysis and Findings The analysis showed that the reproductive issues are basically centered about the problems related to their menstruation and UTIs. Pre-menstrual syndromes have very significance in evaluating reproductive health. The factors like residential background, BMI, type of family, religion, exercise, menstrual status and other pre-menstrual syndromes influence have undeniable relation with the reproductive health problems. Cleanliness / Hygiene can also be considered as factors which may be ended up with reproductive issues, as these will lead to UTIs This study revealed the existence of reproductive health problems among the adolescent girls. It is also found that they are not fully aware of these problems. So it is necessary to educate the adolescent girls and their mothers so that they may express their problems at least to the doctors. Rising concerns on Adolescent Reproductive Health in the region articulate the need for the development of realistic strategies for the improvement of adolescent girls’ awareness on “reproductive health issues”. They may make to change their attitude towards the changes in the human body during the adolescent period that has impacts on their reproductive health.