Menarche marks an important milestone in the life of an adolescent girl and is commonly associated with several physical and psychological changes, it may result in misconceptions, anxiety and unhealthy practices. The aims of this study is to empower young women with the necessary understanding to manage this natural phase of life effectively while promoting a healthy attitude towards menstruation. A quantitative study using a cross-sectional descriptive design was carried out among 100 adolescent girls studying in a nursing institute in Jaipur, Northern India. Participants were selected through a convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured knowledge questionnaire that included 7 socio-demographic questions and 27 multiple-choice questions. After completion of the questionnaire, an informational booklet on Menarche and Menstrual Hygiene Management was distributed to all participants for educational purposes. Each correct answer was awarded 1 mark, with a maximum possible score of 27. Knowledge scores were classified as inadequate (<50%), moderately adequate (50–75%) and adequate (>75%). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Chi-square test). Most participants were 17–18 years old (65%), followed by 19–20 years (32%). All participants were unmarried and 95% belonged to the Hindu religion. The majority of participants were B.Sc. Nursing students (85%), belonged to nuclear families (60%) and resided in urban areas (54%). Nearly all participants (98%) recognized menstruation as a natural physiological process. Most respondents (97%) used sanitary pads and 40% changed their absorbent materials 3–4 times daily. Hand hygiene before and after changing pads was practiced by 97% of participants. Seventy-one percent of participants correctly identified the functional layer of the endometrium as the layer shed during menstruation. Menstrual pain (73.7%) was the most commonly reported symptom and 42.9% of participants managed their symptoms by taking rest. A statistically significant association was observed between age and knowledge regarding the endometrial layer that is shed during menstruation (χ² = 22.0, df = 9, p = 0.005), indicating that knowledge improved with increasing age.
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