A recent study conducted by the Centre of Excellence for Adolescent Health and Development at Queen Mary Hospital in Lucknow has revealed a significant shift in how young girls learn about menstruation. The study found that Generation Z girls in the city are increasingly turning to smartphones and social media for information about periods, rather than relying on sisters or mothers as in previous generations.
Study Findings on Digital Health Awareness
Researchers Prof Sujata Dev and counsellor Soumya Singh reported that nearly 60% of the young respondents were aware of menstruation before their first period, with YouTube and Google emerging as the top sources of information. “We interviewed 153 girls in the 16-25-year age group. Of these, almost all participants were using smartphones and had regular internet access. More than three-fourths felt digital platforms had improved their health awareness,” said Prof Sujata Dev, sharing the findings ahead of World Menstrual Hygiene Day.
Role of Digital Platforms
HOD Prof Anju Agrawal noted that this shift reflects how smartphones, internet access, and social media platforms are increasingly filling information gaps around menstrual health — a subject that traditionally remained under-discussed in many homes and communities. Counsellor Soumya added that among online sources, YouTube was the most widely used platform for health-related information, while menstrual health was the most searched topic. “Participants also relied on the internet to deal with period pain, understand hygiene, and even sexually transmitted infections,” she said, further noting that “We also found that a good number of girls purchased menstrual hygiene products online as it helped them evade embarrassment at medical stores, while over a third used period-tracking apps too.”
HPV Awareness and Vaccination Gap
Prof Dev also highlighted that the study revealed a need to work on human papilloma virus (HPV) and its vaccination. “While 50% of the girls were aware of HPV, only 12% were vaccinated, thus underlining the need for more targeted health education both online and on campuses,” she said.
Recommendations for Better Health Education
The research team recommended sustained awareness campaigns in schools, colleges, and communities, along with reliable digital health education and expert-led counselling. These measures aim to ensure that adolescents receive accurate information early and are able to make informed health decisions.
