IMPACT OF PHARMACIST INTERVENTION ON THE AWARENESS ABOUT MENSTRUAL HYGIENE AND ITS IMPACT ON THE INCIDENCE OF REPRODUCTIVE TRACT INFECTION IN RURAL POPULATION AT ERODE

Background: Menstruation is considered as unclean in the Indian society.Menstrual hygiene is an important aspect in women life.This study aims at assessing the knowledge regarding menstruation and hygienic practices.Unhygienic menstrual practices expose them to RTI.If not treated early it will lead to various disabilities.Good hygienic practices such as use of sanitary pads,clothes and changing it every 6 hours,adequate washing of genital area are required during menstruation. Aims and Objectives: To assess the awareness of menstrual hygiene and to improve the hygienic practices among the women in rural population and to determine the prevalence of related disorder. Methodology: A community based interventional study was conducted between February to August 2018 among 200 women of age group 11-50 years,Data was collected using a self structured questionnaire. Results: Among 200 women the mean age of attaining menarche was 13.27 years.127 females had the habit of changing menstrual product before bed.It was found that 124 women attended school/job during menses.Burning sensation was experienced by 46(23%) females and itching by 58(29%) females.There was higher incidence of using soap as vaginal washers in the population (72.5%).The UTI incidence was reported in 58 women in our study. Conclusion: It is important that women be aware of the importance of maintaining menstrual hygiene to prevent the risk of RTI.The program produced significant changes in the knowledge,beliefs and practices of menstrual hygiene and complications from lack of hygiene.