ORIGINAL RESEARCH Knowledge and beliefs regarding menstruation among Saudi nursing students

This study was undertaken to assess the knowledge and beliefs of Saudi female nursing students towards menstruation. A cross sectional survey was conducted on a sample of 400 students, the data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. The results revealed that a considerable percentage lacked the knowledge and correct beliefs regarding menstruation. Furthermore a significant relationship was found between the marital status, academic year and the score of knowledge and beliefs but not with age. Although the source of information among the majority of the participants was derived from their mother, those who had good knowledge were the participants who belonged to the above 3rd academic year. In conclusion, it is essential to emphasize the importance of compulsory reproductive health education from an early age to help adolescent girls manage menstrual symptoms and increase their awareness; this could be achieved by adding a course of reproductive health course beginning at the intermediate school level