The Financial Cost of Managing Menstrual Hygiene in Schools in the Health District of Bla in Mali

Abstract

Introduction: Many women and girls face financial challenges in meeting their menstrual hygiene management needs. The main objective of this study is to estimate the financial cost of menstrual hygiene management among school-going girls. Methodology: This is a prospective study carried out in a semi-urban school environment at the Public High School in the health district of Bla in 2020. Results: This study was conducted among 125 high school girls with no income. The average age was 18 years old. Parents lived in rural areas with no fixed monthly income in 52% of cases. Multipurpose pieces of cloth were the protective material used in 67% of cases. The girls explained this choice in 100% of cases by the high cost of single pads and tampons. The average monthly cost of menstrual hygiene management was 0, 56 $ or 6, 67 $ per year with extremes of 0, 16 and 2, 45 $ per month. This amount was used to buy either single-use pads or soap for body care and multiple-use pads. This financial cost was covered at 92% by female support (mother, aunt, sister); male support (father, spouse) accounted for only 8%. Conclusion: This study made it possible to estimate the average annual financial cost of menstrual hygiene management among young school girls in Bla. These findings call for further studies to better understand the financial implications of menstrual hygiene management in low-resource settings.