East Mediterr Health J. 2001 Jan-Mar; 7(1-2): 197-203.

Indigenous practices of Saudi girls in Riyadh during their menstrual period.

Moawed S.

College of Applied MedIal Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The objective of this study was to identify the indigenous menstrual hygiene practice of Saudi girls in Riyadh. A total of 600 girls aged from 11 years to 18 years were selected from outpatient clinics at three different hospitals in Riyadh. Data were collected using a structured interview. The results revealed that nearly two-thirds of the girls avoided certain foods, drinks and activities, including showering and performing perineal care, and practised several indigenous rituals during the period. Mother, religious books and sisters were the main sources of the girls' infomation. The study suggests that nurses and health care providers should use all available opportunities to educate young girls about menstruation.