Author(s): Dr. C Kalapriya

Abstract:
The transitional period of physical and psychological development from childhood to adulthood occurs during adolescence period. Adolescence is very complex and important period of every individuals life. The total years of adolescence are from 13-18 years, this period is linked to teenage years. Menstrual cycle starts at the age of 13-15 years which marks the onset of puberty. The onset of menstruation represents a landmark event in pubertal development of the adolescent girl. Menstruation has often been dealt with secrecy in many cultures. Keeping in mind the important role of reproductive health it was therefore decided to conduct a study to explore the level of knowledge, their attitude and practices regarding reproductive health issues among the adolescent girls in Nellore district. The sample of the study included 120 adolescent girls studying science and arts subject in Junior and Senior Intermediate. Four tools, were used to collect the data. First tool was used to collect general information, second to find the knowledge, third to assess the attitude and fourth to find the practices of girls during menstruation. Analysis of the data revealed that Knowledge, Attitude and Practice on reproductive health among adolescent girls were found to be less. Among them KAP of reproductive health of science students were more when compared to arts students.