Menstrual Hygiene Practices among Junior Secondary School Students in Benin City

Abstract

The study assessed the menstrual hygiene practices and challenges of junior school students during menstrual periods, with its implication for Home economics education. The multistage method of sampling was used to select a sample of 500 post menarche junior secondary school students. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Frequency tables were generated. Percentages and mean values with standard deviation were calculated. 70.9% of the respondents reported some challenges during their menstrual periods. Abdominal pains and cramps were the major challenges. 11.7% feel depressed. 63.9% do nothing to relieve the discomfort, while 17.5% visit a doctor for treatment. 83.4% use sanitary pads. About half of the respondents have challenges with getting good sanitary facilities and sanitary pads. 13.8% have absented themselves from school/examinations during menstruation as a result of severe menstrual pain [dysmenorrhoea].52.1% of the students change their sanitary pads twice daily; and a majority of 83.9% bathe two or more times a day. Many of the students burn their sanitary material. A minority flush their sanitary pads in the toilets. Increase in public enlightment in the society and increase in the toilet facility in the schools were suggested as ways of improving menstrual hygiene practice. DOI: 10.5901/jesr.2013.v3n8p129