Reproductive health problems of adolescent girls between 15 and 19 in Andhra Pradesh

The world health organization (who) defines adolescence as the age group 10-19 years. adolescents constitute 18-25% of the population in member countries of south east asia region. reproductive health issues are considered a taboo subject and this attitude of the society adds to the woes of young adolescent girls. this study aimed at better understanding of issues relating to reproductive health among adolescent girls in nellore,andhra pradesh. the girls enrolled for the study were in class 11-12th and graduation (b sc. nursing). maximum girls were sixteen and seventeen years old. majority of girls were from rural background and lower middle class nuclear families. mean height was 154 cm and mean weight was 45.6 kg. most of the girls had bmi between 17 and 22. with mean of 19.13. mean age of menarche was 13 years. majority had cycle duration of 28-45 days,menses duration 2-4 days and normal flow of blood during menses. mothers were the most common source of information about menstruation prior to menarche. 62% of girls used only sanitary napkins,whereas 24% used clean cloths and sanitary napkins; both. no girl used ordinary cloth. lower abdominal pain,abdominal discomfort and backache were the commonest physical symptoms reported. about 20 % girls had no complaints. burning during urination and thick curdy dicharge were only gynaecological complaints observed in 8 % girls,rest had no significant complaints in between periods. good menstrual hygiene and knowledge regarding reproductive system helps a girl reducing psychological as well as physical symptoms.