A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE KNOWLEDGE, BELIEFS, AND PRACTICES ON MENSTRUAL HYGIENE AMONG GRADE VI PUPILS IN PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN BUCAL, CALAMBA CITY, LAGUNA

Maricel Grace  B. Rivera,; Remo Patrick  O. Rivera,; Sophia Joan  O. Rodriguez,; Elizanne Aniane  D. Rosales,; Nowellene  C. Salvacruz,

A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE KNOWLEDGE, BELIEFS, AND PRACTICES ON MENSTRUAL HYGIENE AMONG GRADE VI PUPILS IN PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN BUCAL, CALAMBA CITY, LAGUNA

Maricel Grace B. Rivera | Remo Patrick O. Rivera | Sophia Joan O. Rodriguez | Elizanne Aniane D. Rosales | Nowellene C. Salvacruz

Discipline: Nursing

Abstract:

The study aimed to describe and compare the knowledge, beliefs, and practices of Grade VI pupils in private and public schools in Bucal, Calamba City, Laguna regarding menstrual hygiene. The respondents of the study were the 72 Grade VI pupils from Letran Calamba and Bucal Elementary School selected through total population survey technique. The study was conducted from November 2009 to March 2010. Results indicated that being a pupil of private and public school does not affect one’s knowledge, beliefs, and practices on menstrual hygiene. Perceptions of the respondents were attributed to what they know, believe, and practice during their menstruation period. It was also showed that respondents from Letran had homogenous knowledge on menstruation while respondents in Bucal Elementary School had a heterogonous one. In addition, respondents in Bucal Elementary School understood dysmenorrhoea better than respondents from Letran but both of them did not understand why they perspire heavily during menstruation. Both of them also still believe in various myths about menstruation. Furthermore, both group of respondents had the same priorities in menstrual hygiene practices. They were aware about the proper body care during menstruation and they practiced proper disposal of sanitary napkins or old cloth after use.