Abstract
Objective- A qualitative descriptive study was conducted to determine the religious practices and beliefs related to menarche and menstruation among middle aged women and adolescent girls in the district of Colombo within Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic and Roman Catholic religions.Method-Information was gathered from the middle aged women and the adolescent girls by focus group discussion and by a self-administered questionnaire respectively. Pertinent religious scripture were identified through key informants of each religion. Results-The religious taboos observed during menstruation included not participating in religious activities, avoidance of sex and cooking. Restricted religious activities were observed among middle aged women of Buddhist, Hindu and Islam religions. Buddhist adolescent girls have given up this practice. Avoidance of sexual intercourse during menstruation was observed in all four religions. Hindu's observed unique practices such as restriction of water during menarche and reduced household activities during menstruation. Hindu and Islam women follow the scriptures strictly whereas the Buddhist practices seem to be influenced by the Hindu culture. Except Roman Catholics, others observe restrictions during menarche although there are no statements in scriptures of the four religions studied.Conclusion-Unsafe practices are still continuing among women and adolescents despite statements in religious scriptures. [J Physiol Sci. 2006;56 Suppl:S100]
