Perceptions among adolescent girls and their mothers regarding tampon use.

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To explore the perceptions of perimenarchal females and their mothers regarding tampons and tampon use.

DESIGN

Descriptive study; convenience sample survey.

SETTING

Diverse pediatric practice setting.

PARTICIPANTS

139 females 11-18 years of age and 129 of their mothers/female guardians.

INTERVENTION

Survey.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Frequencies, chi-square tests, t-tests.

RESULTS

Most adolescents (38%-55%) respond "don't know" to various attitude and knowledge items pertaining to tampon use. Adolescent-mother pairs report similar perceptions about tampon use for adolescents. Mothers and adolescents who have "ever tried" tampons (including 68% and 56% of respondents, respectively) have more favorable attitudes about tampons than those who have not tried tampons. Adolescent females list their mothers as the primary source of tampon information; 70% of adolescents and 66% of mothers report that no doctor has spoken to them about tampon use for the daughter.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a vast educational deficit among both adolescent females and their mothers regarding the use of tampons among youth. Adolescents and their mothers note that few providers have educated 11- to 18-year-old females or their parents about tampons. Providers have the opportunity to influence adolescent health choices and quality of life associated with tampon use.