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Practice of MHM In Kathmandu Valley
Nov 21, 2019
In May 2018, Rooster Logic surveyed a group of parents (male and female) to understand their awareness, perception, and practice on Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM).
Through the research, we have come to know that mothers discussed the topic of menstruation more as compared to fathers. The majority of the parents talked to their daughter(s) about menstruation, but only 33% discussed it with their son(s). We can see that parents are slowly taking up the topic. The discussion about MHM had happened with most daughters before the first menarche. A relatively high percentage of parents also talked about it after the first menarche or even much later. With sons, the discussion happened after they had read about menstruation in school. The content of the discussion revolved around biological processes, physical change, how to manage menstruation, and restrictions imposed upon women.
Some parents did not feel the need to discuss MHM with their daughters. The main reasons were because the child was shy, followed by the assumption that there is no need to discuss the matter before the first menarche. The parents did not feel the need to discuss MHM with their sons because the child felt awkward and did not concern him. Whenever menstruation-related videos or advertisements came up on televisions or other media, most parents ignored the message. While parents are becoming tolerant about the information related to MHM in front of their children, there is scope to invoke an actual discussion. A majority of the parents felt the need to discuss the topic of menstruation with their children. 
Most parents believe that menstruation means flushing bad blood. Among male parents, the awareness of MHM is still comparatively low. A majority of the parents feel that their sons should be aware of the biological process of menstruation, how menstruation is managed, and know that females need care while menstruating. There is still a percentage who believe that sons should be aware of the restrictions imposed upon women. There is still a high percentage of parents who believe in continuing the restrictions imposed upon females during menstruation. The area of restriction, however, varies.
Overall Findings:
While the discussion about menstruation and MHM has started in families with both daughters and sons, the belief of restrictions imposed upon females during menstruations still lingers.
