Understanding menstrual health perceptions, practices, and premenstrual symptomatology among college girls in urban Chandigarh: A cross-sectional study

A BSTRACT Background: Menstruation is a natural physiological process, yet it continues to be surrounded by cultural silence and misconceptions in many communities. Poor menstrual hygiene and lack of awareness contribute to a range of health complications, including reproductive tract infections and psychosocial challenges. While studies on adolescent girls are common, research focusing on college-going young women aged 19–25 is relatively scarce. Objective: To assess menstrual perceptions, practices, and awareness of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) among college students in Chandigarh, and to identify gaps in menstrual health knowledge and hygiene behavior. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 100 female college students aged 19–25 years in Chandigarh using a pretested structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS, with Chi-square tests applied to assess associations. Results: Although 72% had premenarche knowledge and 98% used sanitary pads, only 33% changed them ≥ 4 times/day, and just 25% used soap and water for perineal hygiene. PMS awareness was low (52%), despite a high prevalence of related symptoms. Cultural restrictions were commonly reported, including food taboos and limited communication with male family members. A significant association was found between premenarche knowledge and menstrual hygiene practices ( P = 0.022), and between perception and practice ( P = 0.013). Overall, 78% had poor perception scores, and 82% practiced suboptimal hygiene.