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Abstract

Introduction: According to World Health Organization, Reproductive health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity in all matters relating to reproductive system and its functions and process. Adolescence denotes the transition period from child to adult. As per WHO, those who are 10-19 years old belong to this category and this phase brings out both biological and psychological growth in children. India has nearly 250 million adolescents of which 45% of them are females according to 2011 census. Puberty that occurs during adolescence marks a time of increased susceptibility to leaving school, early marriage and teenage pregnancy. For every women, menstruation is a natural physiological process that occurs throughout their reproductive years and adolescence is a critical period which marks the beginning of menstruation process where the females have to prepare and adjust themselves to manage them. Several belief and cultural taboos has been the problem for both adolescent girls and women in both rural and urban areas. According to National Family Health Survey 5, only 77.3% of women aged 15- 24 years use hygienic methods of protection during their menstrual period. Other major problems in adolescent age group are child marriage, early pregnancy and child birth. vi

Child marriages are more common in developing countries which violates children’s rights and exploits their health. Early marriage mainly affects the education of the girls which leads to lack in job prospects and skills thereby contributing to poverty in family and affecting overall economy of the country. Recently there has been a decline in prevalence of adolescent girls getting married before 18 years. This is mainly due to multiple factors such as strong legislation, strong public messaging about child marriage illegality, increased literacy in mothers and increased rate in girl’s education. In India, there is very little awareness among the adolescent girls regarding reproductive health as there is social prohibition and negative attitude among parents in discussing these matters with them thereby blocking access to right information. According to NFHS-5 statistics, 12.6% of females belonging to 15-19 years are already married which is more in rural (14.6%) than urban(7.3%). 18% female aged 15- 19 years with no schooling have already begun childbearing. Recent statistics shows that 7% of female aged 15-19 years gave birth to child already. The level of teenage pregnancy decreases with increasing level of schooling. Health education given to adolescent girls improve their knowledge, encourages them to improve and maintain their health, prevent diseases and reduce risky behaviors.

Health decisions taken by one generation will affect the health and wellbeing of next generation. Investing right knowledge in girls directs better future for women, children and families thereby leading to intergenerational impact.

Therefore this study was undertaken to assess the knowledge and attitude of reproductive health among pre- vii

university girls in the urban area of Belagavi. After the health education intervention, knowledge and attitude of pre-university girls was assessed again to see the impact. Objective: To assess the effect of health education on knowledge and attitude of reproductive health among pre-university girls.