Practice and lived experience of menstrual exiles (Chhaupadi) among adolescent girls in far-western Nepal.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Menstrual exile, also known as Chhaupadi, is a tradition of "untouchability" in far-western Nepal. Forbidden from touching other people and objects, women and girls are required to live away from the community, typically in a livestock shed, during menstruation. We assessed the lived experiences of Chhaupadi among Nepalese adolescent girls in the far-western Achham district of Nepal, observed the safety and sanitation of their living spaces during Chhaupadi, and assessed the perceptions of local adult stakeholders towards the practice of Chhaupadi.

Methods

We collected data from 107 adolescent girls using a self-administered survey in two local schools in Achham. We also conducted a focus group discussion with seven girls, held key informant interviews, and observ

SUBMITTER: Amatya P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6287853 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature