Abstract
BackgroundAlthough sexual issues are openly discussed in the media, sexuality and reproductive functions are treated as taboo. Menstruation is a normal physiologic process, but carries various meanings within cultures and is rarely discussed amongst families and communities.PurposeThis study sought to assess the knowledge and practices of secondary school girls towards menstruation in the Thulamela municipality of Limpopo Province, South Africa.MethodsA quantitative descriptive study design was used and respondents were selected by means of convenience sampling from a population of secondary school girls. The sample consisted of 273 secondary school girls doing Grades 10–12. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data, which was analysed by computing frequencies and percentages using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 12).FindingsThe findings revealed that respondents experienced menarche at 13 years and that menstruation is a monthly bleeding (80%) that happens to every female; it is a sign of adulthood (91%). 15% reported that it is the removal of dirt from the stomach and abdomen, 67% indicated the source of menstruation being the uterus, 65% the vagina and 13% from the abdomen. 73% reported having fear and anxiety at the first experience of bleeding and that they could not maintain adequate hygienic practices due to a lack of privacy and sanitary towels.ConclusionInterventions are needed to increase girls’ opportunities to discuss menstruation and access information from adults including mothers, parents and guardians. School-based sexuality education should be comprehensive, begin early and be regularly repeated.
Highlights
The menstrual cycle is the cycle of natural changes that occurs in the uterus and ovary as an essential part of making sexual reproduction possible
Geronimus (2003) indicated that geographic, social or cultural variations influence teenage pregnancy and fertility; this can imply that the meanings that families and communities attach to menstruation can differ
Indian adolescent girls did not participate in ceremonies (43.7%) or social activities with family (36.2%) during menstruation
Summary
The menstrual cycle is the cycle of natural changes that occurs in the uterus and ovary as an essential part of making sexual reproduction possible. South Africa has reported a similar mean age of menarche, and according to HIV & AIDS and STI National Strategic Plan (NSP 2007–2011), 6% of adolescent girls (15–24 years) reported having had sex by age 15 years. Menstruation is regarded as a normal physiological process; it is viewed differently across cultures and families. Geronimus (2003) indicated that geographic, social or cultural variations influence teenage pregnancy and fertility; this can imply that the meanings that families and communities attach to menstruation can differ. Menstruation is a normal physiologic process, but carries various meanings within cultures and is rarely discussed amongst families and communities. Purpose: This study sought to assess the knowledge and practices of secondary school girls towards menstruation in the Thulamela municipality of Limpopo Province, South Africa
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