KNOWLEDGE ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE STUDY ON THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE AFTER DELIVERY

Background: The return of the menstrual cycle after childbirth is influenced by physiological,
hormonal, and lifestyle factors. Understanding women’s knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP)
related to this process is essential for promoting maternal health and timely health-seeking behavior.
Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of postpartum women regarding
menstrual cycle resumption after delivery.
Methods: A structured KAP questionnaire was administered to postpartum women. Responses
were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and results were presented as percentages with graphical
representation.
Results: The findings revealed partial knowledge gaps. While many participants recognized
breastfeeding as a key factor delaying menstruation, awareness of the exact timeframe for return of
menses varied widely. Attitudinally, the majority expressed concern about irregular cycles, with
over 60% stating they would seek medical advice if menstruation did not normalize within a few
months. Practices were generally positive—most participants used maternity or regular pads for
bleeding management and more than half reported regularly tracking their menstrual cycles.
Conclusion: Overall, the study highlights that postpartum women demonstrate positive attitudes
and practices toward menstrual health, but knowledge regarding timing and influencing factors
remains inconsistent. Educational interventions tailored to postpartum women may strengthen
awareness and support better reproductive health outcomes.