Rajaswala Paricharya and Menstrual Practices: A Mixed-Methods Study on Cultural Beliefs and Reproductive Health Outcomes in Anand District of Gujarat, India
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70066/jahm.v13i11.2372Keywords:
Ayurveda, Menstrual practices, Mixed-methods, Oxidative stress, Rajaswala paricharya, Reproductive healthAbstract
Background: Menstruation, though being a physiological process, it is also influenced by social, cultural and personal practices. Rajaswala Paricharya is an Ayurvedic code of conduct outlining do’s and don’ts observed by women during menstruation. Despite growing interest, quantitative association between menstrual restrictions and reproductive health are underexplored. There is a gap of large-scale surveys integrating socio-demographic factors like education, rural-urban divides and socio-economic status. Exploration of such association through mixed-method approaches can triangulate the cultural beliefs with statistical evidence. Theoretically it has been revealed that non-adherence of restrictions are linked with oxidative stress and hormonal imbalances causing PCOS and infertility but lack validation through studies in diverse populations. Methods: Questionnaire after validation was used with mixed methodology approach for in depth interviews and focus group discussions with adult female in Anand District of Gujarat, India. Total 59 in depth interviews, 15 focus group discussions (8 to 10 participants in each), 460 female surveys. MS Excel was used for descriptive statistics and Pearson’s chi square test through SPSS software for further statistical analysis. Results: Socio cultural restrictions like prohibition from entering kitchen 62.1% and restricted diet significantly influenced reproductive health (p<0.05) for associations with chronic illness, menstrual disorders and illness in progeny. Qualitative themes highlighted the need for rest and seclusion and considered as health promoting. Conclusion: Using mixed methodology integrating qualitative and quantitative data for understanding the importance and impact of menstrual practices is the key highlight of the study. Association between certain menstrual practices and reproductive health outcomes were identified as statistically significant in quantitative data analysis. Amongst the qualitative narratives during discussions and interviews, the need for rest, seclusion and dietary restrictions were professed as health promoting behavior. To reassess the menstrual practices through scientific lens is emphasized by mixed method findings.
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