Good Menstrual Hygiene Practice Research Articles

Effects of health education intervention on menstrual hygiene knowledge and practices among the adolescent girls of Pokhara Metropolitan, Nepal.

Poor menstrual hygiene practices are one of the major public health problems in Nepal. Due to persistent taboos and socio-cultural constraints, adolescent girls are often unaware of scientific facts, knowledge, and practices related to menstrual hygiene. This paper aims to assess the effects of health education intervention on menstrual hygiene knowledge and practices among adolescent girls in Pokhara Metropolitan, Nepal. A true experimental study was conducted in two government basic schools in Pokhara Metropolitan, Nepal. The study population was adolescent girls who had attended the menarche. Firstly, a pretest with the help of a self-administered questionnaire was done to find out the socio-demographic information, knowledge and practices of menstrual hygiene. Next, health education sessions were conducted among the intervention group. Finally, after one month of intervention, a post-test was conducted among the intervention and non-intervention group. Data analysis was done through descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings showed significant improvement in the knowledge and practice level of adolescent girls on menstrual hygiene after health education intervention. Participants in the intervention group showed a significant increase in knowledge scores from 10.0% to 67.0%, while the non-intervention group remained unchanged at 7.5%. Good menstrual hygiene practices scores in the intervention group increased significantly from 22.5% to 67.0%, whereas the non-intervention group saw a slight rise from 20.0% to 22.5%. Regarding observed practice scores in menstrual hygiene, significant improvement was observed in the intervention group (45.0% to 100.0%) in contrast to the non-intervention group (25.0% to 27.5%). This study highlights the crucial role of school health education interventions in promoting menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls. It emphasizes the importance of comprehensive educational programs tailored to early teenage girls, addressing timing, content, and delivery methods alongside ensuring the availability of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities.

Menstrual hygiene management practice and associated factors among high school and preparatory school adolescent students in Debre Markos town, Northwest, Ethiopia: a mixed-method study

BackgroundDespite being a normal occurrence, menstruation requires hygienic care and is associated with a number of myths and wrongdoings. Menstrual hygiene issues have been linked to major health issues, such as urinary tract and reproductive tract infections. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the management of menstrual hygiene and related aspects among teenage students in Debre Markos town, North West, Ethiopia.MethodsFrom March 15 to April 15, 2019, teenage pupils in Debre Markos town participated in a cross-sectional mixed study. An in-depth interview and a self-administered structured questionnaire were used to gather data. Quantitative information was imported into Epi Data and then exported to SPSS for examination. A 95% Confidence Interval of p-value ≤ 0.05 was used to declare significance. The method of thematic content analysis was used to examine the qualitative data.ResultThis study comprised 531 individuals in total, with a 96.2% response rate. Approximately 260 adolescent females (49%, 95% CI: 39.2, 59.2) had good management practices for menstrual hygiene. Girls whose mothers were private employees (AOR: 0.3, 95% CI: 0.09, 0.99), self-employed (AOR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.28, 0.98) and housewives (AOR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.29, 0.98), and parent-adolescent discussions about menstruation (AOR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.40, 3.34) were significantly associated with good menstrual hygiene management. Adolescence aged 17 years or older (AOR: 2.13, 95% CI: 1.32, 3.44) were found to have good knowledge regarding menstrual hygiene (AOR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.43, 2.94). The qualitative study found that ignorance, an unfavorable school climate, and cultural and economic factors were the main causes of teenagers’ poor menstrual hygiene.ConclusionNearly half of adolescent girls had good menstrual hygiene practice. Menstrual hygiene practice was associated with adolescent age, knowledge of menstruation, maternal occupational and discussion with parents. Girls had difficulty to manage menstrual hygiene due to poor knowledge, unsafe school environment, and cultural barriers. Thus, school-based programs aimed at improving knowledge towards menstrual hygiene management are needed.

Relationship between Knowledge, Information, and School Sanitation Facility with Menstrual Hygiene Practices Among Schoolgirls

Introduction: Menstrual hygiene practices are a form of self-care mainly related to mantaining the hygiene of reproductive organs specifically during menstruation. Based on previous research there are still various challenges for students to be able to maintain their menstrual hygiene in school, these challenges includes knowledge about menstruation, information, as well as school sanitation facility. Objective: The study aims to identify the relationship of knowledge, information, and school sanitation with menstrual hygiene practices in junior highschool students. Method: This study uses cross sectional carried out at one of Juniorhigh School in Wonokromo, Surabaya. The population in this study was a total of 45 girls, and the sample used 41 girls. The data analysis method is descriptive and analytical, using a chi-square test with (?=5% or 0.05) to identify the relationship of knowledge, information, and school sanitation facility with student menstrual hygiene practices. Result: The results of the study showed that 29 girls (71%) have good menstrual hygiene practices, and 12 other girls (29%) have poor menstrual hygiene practices. 32 girls (78%) stated that menstrual higiene information in the school was adequate and 9 girls (22%) said that the school's menstrual hygiene information was insufficient. Furthermore, 32 girls (78%) stated that school sanitation facilities were sufficient and could support the implementation of the Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM), while the other 9 girls (22%) stated that the school hygiene facilities weren't sufficient for girls. The results of the bivariable analysis shows that there are meaningful relationships between knowledge, information and school sanitation facility with menstrual hygiene practices. Conclusion: This study shows the relationship between knowledge, information, and school sanitation facility with menstrual hygiene practices among schoolgirls.

Impact of dysmenorrhea on urban school girls in Tanzania: the need for a comprehensive menstrual health management guideline

Impact of dysmenorrhea on urban school girls in Tanzania: the need for a comprehensive menstrual health management guideline

Bleeding for life: a perspective of menstruation among slum dwellers of a temple town in coastal Karnataka, India

IntroductionChallenges in the achievement of good menstrual hygiene management in resource poor settings have been well documented and are linked to deleterious effect on women's health. This study was an attempt to assess the vulnerability with regards to menstrual health among the migrant population residing in urban slums in Udupi taluk. MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 392 migrant women in reproductive age group using a predesigned 31- item questionnaire.The domains of knowledge, attitude and practice about menstrual hygiene were categorized into poor and adequate knowledge, positive and negative attitude, and poor and good practice by using median as a cut off. ResultsOut of the 392 study subjects who participated in the study 31%,27% and 41% of them had good knowledge, positive attitude and good practice regarding menstrual hygiene respectively. Good knowledge was significantly associated with better standard of living (p < 0.001, OR = 3.612, CI = 2.159–6.042). Attitude was significantly almost five times better in women with more than ten years of schooling as compared to illiterates and school drop outs (p < 0.001, OR = 4.655, CI = 2.360–9.179). With regards to standard of living, adherence to good menstrual hygiene practice was better in women belonging to middle as compared to those of low class. (p = 0.001, OR = 2.730, CI = 1.502–4.962). ConclusionThe findings show an overall poor knowledge, attitude and practice towards menstrual health. This displays an urgent need of conducting health promotional activities to impart appropriate knowledge regarding hygienic practices during menstrual periods and simultaneously address to the misconceptions linked with it.

Menstrual hygiene management and menstrual problems among adolescent girls in an urban area in north India: A cross-sectional study.

Most adolescent women face many restrictions, which become much more severe during menstruation. In India, millions of adolescent girls drop out of school every year due to menstruation-related problems and restrictions. Despite extensive research, a paucity of literature was observed on the level of knowledge, attitude, and practices of adolescent girls regarding menstruation. Hence, we proceeded to undertake the present study, to have a deeper understanding of the menstrual hygiene management of adolescents. To describe the menstrual hygiene management among adolescent school girls. (a) To examine the association, if any, between menstrual hygiene management and school absenteeism during menstruation in adolescent school girls. We conducted a school-based cross-sectional analytical study in an urban area in north India. The study population comprised adolescent school girls of all the high schools in the urban area. With a 95% confidence interval, and 5% margin of error, the sample size was calculated to be 369. However, an even larger sample size of 600 was actually studied. The probability proportional to size sampling approach was followed based on the number of adolescent girls in each school class/section. Participants were selected through a stratified proportionate sampling method. Ethical approval was obtained from the ethical committee of the district director of education of the urban area where the study was conducted before the commencement of the study. Confidentiality of the information collected was ensured. The data collected was quantitative in nature, using a pretested self-administered questionnaire consisting of both open-ended and close-ended questions. Data was checked for its completeness, coded, and entered into Microsoft Excel 2021 Spreadsheet. Subsequently, the data was imported into IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Statistics for Windows, Version 23.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp. for data analysis. Standard statistical methods were utilized for data analysis. The mean age (standard deviation [SD]) of the study participants was 13.68 (1.29). The mean age (SD) at menarche was 13.29 (0.96). Based on the overall menstrual hygiene management score, 377 (62.83%) of the study participants were engaged in good menstrual hygiene management, while 223 (37.17%) were engaged in poor menstrual hygiene management. The mean score (SD) was 7.80 (±0.43). Compared to those aged 17-19 years, those aged 10-13 years had a 0.36 (95% CI 0.17-0.75) decreased odds of good menstrual hygiene, while those aged 14-16 years had a 0.29 (95% CI 0.14-0.59) decreased odds of good menstrual hygiene. The adjusted odds ratios were 0.32 (95% CI 0.19-0.65) and 0.25 (95% CI 0.12-0.41) respectively. Out of 600 study participants, 229 (38.17%) reported school absenteeism at least once in the last 1 year because of menstruation. The mean (standard deviation) duration of school absenteeism was 2.4 (0.78) days per menstrual cycle. The commonest reason for menstruation-related school absenteeism was pain, wherein 105 (45.85%) study participants reported this reason. In our study, we observed that over two-thirds of the study participants were engaged in good menstrual hygiene practices, while ~40% of them reported menstrual-related school absenteeism. Our study also found evidence that the age of the school girls was associated with their menstrual hygiene management practices. We recommend further research on the impact of menstruation and its management on the academic performance of adolescent school girls. Efforts are also required to develop the capacity of teachers to teach menstrual hygiene education.

Determinants of menstrual hygiene among adolescent school girls in a rural area of Patna, Bihar, India: A cross-sectional study.

Adolescence is a transitional phase marked by the onset of menarche. Most adolescent girls have incomplete or inaccurate information about menstrual physiology and hygiene. There are several misconceptions and taboos linked with it, resulting in adverse health outcomes. However, numerous factors associated with menstrual hygiene are modifiable. If these are adequately identified and addressed, it can empower young girls to lead healthy life in a positive environment. (1) To assess the knowledge and practices regarding menstrual hygiene among adolescent school girls. (2) To determine the association of menstrual hygiene practices with sociodemographic and related factors. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in rural Patna, Bihar, in which 300 eligible adolescent school-going menstruating girls (13-17 years) were recruited from four schools. They were interviewed using a predesigned questionnaire, and relevant information on sociodemographic profiles and menorrhoeal characteristics was obtained. Median scores were calculated for the knowledge and practices domain. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the associated factors of menstrual hygiene practice. The mean age of girls was 14 ± 1.07 years, while the mean age of menarche was 12.37 ± 0.92 years. More than half (59.3%) were found to possess good knowledge (scores 7 and above) regarding menstruation and its physiology. Half (50.3%) of the girls had good menstrual hygiene practices (scores 9 and above). Multiple logistic regression model revealed that adolescent girls studying in government schools (AOR = 0.05, CI = 0.02-0.12) and those living in nuclear families (AOR = 0.05, CI = 0.02-0.12) were likely to be significantly associated with poor menstrual hygiene practices. Menstrual hygiene is still far from satisfactory; hence, it should be a vital aspect of the school health educational curriculum. There is an imperative need to design acceptable awareness/advocacy programs for adolescent girls in the future.

Analysing The Menstrual Protection Method Followed By Young Women In South India

Menstruation being an important biological milestone in every girl’s life is still considered as taboo in India and women menstruating process is unclean and dirty. The cultural norms and religious practices are the major reasons for women to not follow good menstrual hygiene practices. In India some places restrict women bathing during periods and against the usage of sanitary napkins. The study analyses the presence of usage of hygienic method of menstrual protection among young women of the age 15 to 24 in South India and how some factors like women participation I household decisions, women having assets, bank accounts, employment in cash influence them following menstrual hygiene. As per Census 2011, 19 percent of total female population in India are of the age group 15-24 years. Young women who were financially independent and strong could meet their menstrual needs better than those who lacked those independencies. Though menstrual hygiene has improved positively, there are other issues like the degradable level of the sanitary napkins and tampons and the materials used to make these products. These issues require more attention together along with the present program to raise awareness among young women regarding the importance of menstrual hygiene.

Assessment of Adolescent Girls' Menstrual Hygiene Knowledge and Practice in Ede South Local Government Secondary Schools, Ede, Osun State

The onset of menstruation denotes a landmark event in the pubertal development of the adolescent girl. Adolescent girls should have adequate knowledge of menstrual hygiene before menarche. Lack of adequate knowledge and good menstrual hygiene practices can have far-reaching consequences for a girl's well-being, dignity, reproductive health, and sexual health. Hygiene-related practices during menstruation are of considerable importance. This study assessed the knowledge and Practice of menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls in Ede South local government secondary schools, Ede, Osun State. This study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional study design. The study population was adolescent girls between the ages of 10 and 19 who have attained menarche, using multi-stage sampling as the sampling technique. A structured questionnaire comprising three sections was used to elicit information from the respondents. The data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. The result showed that the majority (62.6%) of the respondents were between 16 and 18 years old and had attained menarche at 13. Most respondents had heard about menstruation before menarche (85.0%), and mothers (79.1%) were the primary source of information. Most (89.70%) respondents had good knowledge of menstrual hygiene. Also, most (53.0%) respondents had good menstrual hygiene practices. In the test for the hypothesis, there is a significant association between sociodemographic characteristics such as tribe, class, age at menarche, and the Practice of menstrual hygiene. There is also a significant relationship between knowledge and Practice of menstrual hygiene (p = 0.017). This study concluded that the majority of the respondents had good knowledge as well as good practice regarding menstrual hygiene. Keywords: Menstrual Hygiene, Adolescents, Knowledge, Practice

Menstrual hygiene management practices and determinants among schoolgirls in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: The urgency of tackling bottlenecks - Water and sanitation services

BackgroundMenstrual hygiene management (MHM) service provision and improving schoolgirls' hygienic practices in schools are among the major challenges for low and middle income countries, including Ethiopia, in meeting the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. This study was conducted to assess schoolgirls’ MHM practices and what influences those practices in Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on 401 adolescent schoolgirls and 98 school directors that were selected using a multistage sampling method. Pretested semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaires and observational checklists were used to collect data. ResultsDuring menstruation, about 90% of schoolgirls used commercially made disposable sanitary pads. However, only 45.9% of girls had access to emergency pads from their schools. Of the 98 directors, 79 (80.6%) responded that they had MHM provisions for schoolgirls. However, 42 (42.9%) schools had no water and soap in the pad changing rooms/toilets, and 70% lacked a covered dustbin for disposal/storage of soiled sanitary pads. Besides, more than 55% of the schools practiced open burning and dumping to dispose of used menstrual materials. More than half of the schools had no sanitary pad changing rooms, three-quarters of them lack MHM education, and only 2.5% had a bathing area. The location of schools (AOR = 5.44, 95% CI: (2.34–12.66)), health club availability (AOR = 3.14, 95% CI: (1.53, 6.42)), being informed about MHM before menarche (AOR = 2.04, 95% CI: (1.04, 4.00)), and availability of emergency sanitary pad at schools (AOR = 2.59, 95% CI: (1.36, 4.91)) were significantly associated with the status of schoolgirls menstrual hygiene practices. ConclusionsAbout one-quarter of the schoolgirls had poor menstrual hygiene practices. Being a student in inner-city schools, attending a school that had a health club, being informed about MHM before menarche, and having access to emergency pads from schools were the determinant factors for good menstrual hygiene practices. However, most schools lack water, soap, and a covered dustbin in the pad changing rooms/toilets. Moreover, only a few schools provided MHM education and emergency pads. Improving water and sanitation services along with tailored MHM education are urgently needed to circumvent unsafe MHM practices among adolescent schoolgirls.

Impact of reproductive and sexual health education on late adolescent girls in an urban slum

Background: Menstruation, although, a natural process, may result in adverse health outcomes. Adolescents having a better knowledge regarding menstrual hygiene and safe menstrual practices are less vulnerable to reproductive tract infections and its consequences. Aim and Objectives were to study the socio-demographic profile of late adolescent girls in an urban slum. To determine the baseline knowledge of girls regarding reproductive and sexual health and menstrual hygiene. To estimate the impact of reproductive and sexual health education on the existing knowledge. Methods: This study was done among late adolescent girls to assess the impact of health education on their knowledge, attitude and practices regarding menstruation and puberty, conception, contraception, RTI, STI, HIV and AIDS. After collecting sociodemographic details and baseline knowledge, health education session was conducted, which was followed by checking their, post-test knowledge Follow up session was also conducted after a month. Results: Most of the girls were 16 years old, Hindus and from nuclear families. The baseline knowledge about puberty, menstruation, conception, contraception, RTI, STD, HIV, AIDS was not good. The knowledge increased immediately after the first session, but after the second session, the knowledge was not retained. The menstrual hygiene practices increased after the health education session. Conclusions: The study stresses the importance of imparting knowledge about menstruation, hygiene during the periods, to the adolescent girls and having a regular revision session so as to have good menstrual hygiene practices.

Menstrual hygiene practice and associated factors among adolescent girls in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundMenstrual hygiene has not received adequate attention in Sub-Saharan Africa, and there is a lack of regional representative data. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of good menstrual hygiene practices and associated factors among adolescent girls in sub-Saharan Africa.MethodsIn this study, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines were used to develop the review manuscript. Online electronic databases, such as PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, and CINAHL, were searched to retrieve available studies. The database search was conducted from January 1 to May 17, 2022. The selection, quality assessment, and data extraction of the studies were performed. Quality assessment of the studies was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were performed based on country, study area, and sample size. Publication bias was examined by funnel plots and Egger’s test. The statistical analysis was conducted using STATA version 14 software and RevMan software, and statistical significance was declared at a p value of less than 0.05.Protocol registration numberCRD42020165628.ResultsA total of 229 studies were retrieved, and 14 studies were included in the final meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of good menstrual hygiene practices was 45% (95% CI, (37, 53). Adolescents from urban residences (OR = 3.03, 95% CI (2.3, 3.97)), able to afford menstrual sanitary products (OR = 2.17, 95% CI (1.42, 3.3)), and from educated mothers (OR = 2.33, 95% CI (1.32, 4.12)) were associated with increased odds of good menstrual hygiene practice.ConclusionThe pooled prevalence of menstrual hygiene practices was low compared to the SDG 6.2 target by 2030. “Achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations”. Therefore, improving the accessibility of a safe water supply, hygiene, sanitation facilities and affordability of menstrual products and promoting maternal education are mandatory and should be part of government-level public health policy to prevent related health issues, loss of economic output and education opportunities.

Menstrual Hygiene and Myths Associated with it among Adolescent Girls: A Quantitative Study in Coastal Karnataka

Introduction: India has largest adolescent population in world, every month 1.8 billion people across the world menstruate. The onset of menstruation means new phase and vulnerabilities in the lives of adolescents. Although menstruation is a natural process, it is linked with several perceptions and practices within the community, which sometimes may result in adverse health outcomes. SGD 6.2 acknowledges right to menstrual health and hygiene.Objectives: To assess knowledge regarding menstrual hygiene and myths associated with it among adolescent girls. Methodology: Community based cross sectional study among 298 adolescent girls. Information was collected using semi-structured and pre tested questionnaire. The data analyzed using Epi-info 7.2 and results interpreted in percentages and proportions.Results: Mean age of menarche is 12.7 ± 1.7 years. 68.5% of study participants knew about menstruation before menarche. Mothers (41.6%) were source of information regarding knowledge about menstruation. 94.3% used sanitary napkin as absorbent. Girls had multiple restrictions.Conclusion: Majority knowing about menstruation before menarche and understanding that it is a physiological process. Majority using sanitary napkins as absorbent emphasising the good menstrual hygiene practices. But sill myths associated with it like the age old practice of following certain restriction is observed.

Menstrual Hygiene Practice among Adolescent Girls in the Public Schools of Mahalaxmi Municipality in Lalitpur District

Introduction: Sustainable maintenance of good menstrual hygiene practice is crucial for sound reproductive health, education, dignity, and empowerment of adolescent girls. Menstrual hygiene is less addressed in Nepalese context. So this study aimed to assess the menstrual hygiene practices among adolescent girls in the public schools of Mahalaxmi Municipality in Lalitpur district.&#x0D; Methods: A cross sectional study was adopted among 190 respondents of grades 8, 9 and 10 from three public schools of Mahalaxmi Municipality in Lalitpur District. Sample was selected by using simple random technique through lottery method. Data were collected using pre-tested self-administered semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed in SPSS version 16 for window. Bivariables and multivariable logistic analysis were computed to identify factors associated with good menstrual hygiene practice.&#x0D; Results: The mean age (±SD) of the study participants and menarche were 15.04 ±1.10 years and 12.86 ±0.96 years. About 43.7% used sanitary pad to absorb their menstrual bleeding, 65.8% disposed the used absorbent in dustbin, 41.1% took daily bath and 40% changed their absorbent three or more times during menstruation. Overall, 62.1% of them had good level of menstrual hygiene practices. Good menstrual hygiene practice was significantly associated with increase in age (AOR: 1.186, 95% CI: 0.540-2.603) living in nuclear family (AOR: 1.664, 95% CI: 0.884-3.281) up in grade (AOR: 2.688, 95% CI: 1.216-5.940) having regular menstruation one year and more(AOR:1.763, 95% CI: 0.838-3.711) and availability of water inside the toilet (AOR:1.226, 95% CI: 0.533-2.820).&#x0D; Conclusion: Considerable percentages of adolescent girls in the public schools have poor menstrual hygiene practice. Therefore, provision of appropriate school health programs and basic sustainable sanitation is needed to enhance menstrual hygiene practices among adolescent girls.

Socio-cultural factors associated with knowledge, attitudes and menstrual hygiene practices among Junior High School adolescent girls in the Kpando district of Ghana: A mixed method study

BackgroundGood menstrual hygiene practice is critical to the health of adolescent girls and women. In Ghanaian public schools, the School Health Education Program which includes menstrual health education has been instituted to equip adolescents with knowledge on menstruation and its related good hygiene practices. However, in most communities, menstruation is scarcely discussed openly due to mostly negative social and religious beliefs about menstruation. In this study, we examined socio-cultural factors associated with knowledge, attitudes and menstrual hygiene practices among Junior High School adolescent girls in the Kpando Municipality of Ghana.Materials and methodsA mixed method approach was employed with 480 respondents. A survey was conducted among 390 adolescent girls using interviewer-administered questionnaires to collect data on knowledge of menstruation and menstrual hygiene practices. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) using a discussion guide were conducted among 90 respondents in groups of 9 members. The FGD was used to collect data on socio-cultural beliefs and practices regarding menstruation. Descriptive and inferential statistics and content analysis were used to analyze the quantitative and qualitative data respectively.ResultsMost (80%) of the study participants had good knowledge of menstruation. Also, most (82%) of the participants practiced good menstrual hygiene. Attending a public (AOR = 0.24, 95% CI = 0.12–0.48, p<0.001) and rural (AOR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.21–0.75, p<0.01) school was significantly associated with reduced odds of practicing good menstrual hygiene. Good knowledge of menstruation was associated with increased odds of good hygiene practices (AOR = 4.31, 95% CI = 2.39–7.90, p<0.001). Qualitative results showed that teachers provided adolescents with more detailed biological information on menstruation than key informants (family members) did at menarche. However, both teachers and family members spoke positively of menstruation to adolescent girls. Social and religious beliefs indicate that menstruation is evil and unclean. Such beliefs influenced community members’ attitudes towards adolescent girls and led to practices such as isolating menstruating girls and limiting their ability to interact and participate in certain community and religious activities.ConclusionDespite the prominence of negative social and religious beliefs about menstruation, good menstrual hygiene practice was high among study participants. Knowledge of menstruation; place of residents; and type of school were the major factors associated with good menstrual hygiene practice. It is therefore, necessary to intensify the School Health Education Program in both rural and urban public and intensively involve private schools as well to ensure equal access to accurate information on menstruation and good menstrual hygiene practices among adolescent girls.

Determinants of menstrual hygiene practices among in-school adolescent girls in Osun State, Nigeria: a comparative descriptive cross-sectional study

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; INTRODUCTION: Adolescence in girls has been recognized as a special period that signifies the transition from girlhood to womanhood. This study was conducted to assess the determinants of menstrual hygiene practices among in-school adolescent girls in private and public secondary schools in Osun State, Nigeria.&#x0D; METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional study (comparative) involving 650 in-school secondary students (public and private), were selected via multistage stratified sampling technique, using a self-administered structured questionnaire. Relevant data was collected via a semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS 23.0. Appropriate univariate analysis using frequency tables and charts, while bivariate analysis was done using a chi-square table. Multivariate analysis was done using logistics regression.&#x0D; RESULTS: The modal age range was middle adolescence (14-16 years old). There was a statistically significant difference between public and private school respondents in terms of age menarche: More students in private schools (81.8%) had their menarche before the age of 13 compared to those in public schools (73.2%). More respondents in private secondary schools (67.1%) have good menstrual hygiene practices compared to their counterparts (55.4%). Almost all the respondents in public secondary schools and private secondary schools have good management on menstruation Multivariate analysis, more of the respondents in junior classes among public school respondents were approximately two times less likely (1/0.506 = 1.97) to have good hygiene practice compared to their counterparts.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: Based on the findings in this study, it could be concluded that more of the respondents in private secondary schools had good hygiene practices compared to their counterparts. Hence, the need for all stakeholders to intensify efforts to provide accurate and adequate information as well as enable the environment to promote menstrual hygiene practices among in-school adolescent girls.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Menstrual hygiene management knowledge, practice and associated factors Among School Girls, Northeast Ethiopia.

BackgroundWomen in rural settings particularly in schools suffer more from stigma and lack of services and facilities during menstruation. However, the issue has not received proper attention from school water sanitation and hygiene programs. And this study was aimed to identify knowledge and practice of menstrual hygiene, and associated factors.MethodInstitution based cross-sectional study was employed among 441 school girls in Mekidela city. EpiData Version 4.6 and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Version 25.0 were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was employed to identify factors associated with the outcome variables. Variables with a p-value<0.25 in the bivariable analysis were a candidate for multivariable logistic regression and p-value<0.05 in the multivariable analysis was used to declare significant association.ResultsOf the respondents, 64.9% reported good knowledge of menstrual hygiene management. In multivariable analysis; grade level (grade 11 & 12) [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.23, 95% C.I (1.19–4.16)], age ≥ 19 years [AOR = 3.45, 95% C.I (1.78–6.69)], residence [AOR = 1.90, 95% C.I: (1.12–3.23)], know sanitary pads [AOR = 2.67, 95% CI: (1.19–6.00)] and learned about menstrual hygiene [AOR = 1.71, 95% CI: (1.02–2.87)] found to be associated with knowledge. About 62.4% have good menstrual hygiene practices. Knowledge on menstrual hygiene [AOR = 1.73, 95% C.I (1.07–2.80)], know about reproductive tract/sexually transmitted infections [AOR = 2.46, 95% CI: (1.37–4.43)], having private shower [AOR = 2.04, 95% C.I 2.04(1.24–3.37)] and residence [AOR = 3.76, 95% C.I:(2.18–6.51)] were factors associated with practice.ConclusionOverall nearly two-third of respondents had good knowledge and good practice of menstrual hygiene management. Factors significantly associated with their knowledge included age, grade level, residence, learning on menstrual hygiene, and knowledge of sanitary pads. Residence, knowledge on menstrual hygiene, know about sexually transmitted infections and having a private shower were found to be associated with practice of menstrual hygiene management. In general, our finding indicates that menstrual hygiene was unsatisfactory among adolescent school girls and more should be done on the factors identified.

Menstrual taboos and social restrictions affecting good menstrual hygiene management among reproductive age group female students

Background: Awareness about menstruation and menstrual hygiene is an important aspect of health education for adolescent girls and pre-menopausal women. Taboos and socio-cultural restrictions still overcome the scientific facts and hygienic health practices among females of different communities. The present study was designed to assess the knowledge, awareness, beliefs, restrictions and practices regarding menstruation among the undergraduate and postgraduate females of Amritsar city of Punjab.Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted among two hundred female students pursuing different degree courses in the university. A pre-designed questionnaire contains thirty five questions related to socio-demographic profile, knowledge and practices and different socio-cultural and environmental factors which affects menstrual hygiene.Results: The study results elicited that majority of the participants know that menstruation was a physiological process and poor menstrual hygiene leads to urinary and reproductive tract infections. As most of the participants were from middle class families residing in the urban areas of the city, they faced fewer restrictions and can access and afford sanitary napkins easily.Conclusions: This study shows a significant association between the age and knowledge of the participants regarding menstrual hygiene practices. The education status of the parents plays an important role in the good menstrual hygiene practices of the participants.

A Cross - Sectional Study on Menstrual Hygiene Knowledge and Practices among Adolescent Girls in Tribal Population in South India

Background: World health Organisation defines adolescents as young people between 10 and 19 years of age. Around 16% of world’s population are adolescents. Transition period from childhood to adult life is termed as adolescents. It is an important and a very sensitive period in the human life cycle. Many developments like physical, mental and social development occur in this adolescent period. Knowledge about menstruation and its hygiene among adolescent girls is grossly inadequate. As a result, they suffer intense mental stress due to lack of proper guidance and support regarding proper menstrual hygiene practices. Methodology: The community-based study was conducted in Valavanthi Primary Health Centre, Salem, Tamil Nadu, India. The sample size was attained by multi-stage sampling. By simple random sampling, Salem District was chosen. The respective block, primary health center and sub-centers were chosen by lottery method. Results: 73.5% girls had good knowledge about menstruation. 96.3% girls knew about the sanitary material ideally used during menstruation. 42.3% knew about the frequency of changing pad per day as 4-6 times and 98.5% girls had good knowledge about disposal of pads. 54 % of the study participants had good menstrual hygiene practices. Menstrual hygiene practices were good in adolescent girls who lived in joint families. Conclusion &amp; recommendations: Educational interventions can bring many changes for less discussed topics like menstruation. By social marketing (making low-cost sanitary pads available), better hygienic practices can be adopted. In the school curriculum, safe hygiene and sanitary practices should be included and better communication between adolescent girls and their teachers, mother. Adolescent girls to be encouraged to attend awareness program regularly conducted at Primary Health Centre and adolescent clinics.

AN EDUCATIONAL STUDY OF PROMOTION OF SAFE AND HYGIENIC MENSTRUAL PRACTICES AMONG WOMEN AND ADOLESCENT GIRLS OF RURAL MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA

Introduction : 1, 2 Menstruation is a monthly periodic shedding of uterine lining in reproductive age females. Safe and hygienic menstrual practices and proper disposal of menstrual material is a big challenge in rural areas. To deal with the issue and to raise awareness about the proper hygienic practices an educational intervention program was conducted among the women and adolescent girls in the rural area of Jabalpur district madhya pradesh. Materials &amp; Methods : Cross-sectional and educational intervention study was conducted among 150 female participants. Information was collected through pre and post surveys after an educational programme with audio-visual aids, posters, pamphlets and small group meetings, in three months' duration. Results : Among 150 female participants only 20% were aware of hygienic menstrual practices. After educational intervention, post survey, 24% more participants adopted the use of sanitary pads during menstruation while use of clothes was reduced. More number of participants adopted the practice of burning and burying for disposal of used menstrual materials. 21.33% more females adopted practicing hand washing after changing menstrual materials in a post survey. Conclusion : After educational intervention for the promotion of awareness and hygienic practices, the number of females increased to adopt the use of sanitary pads during menstruation. Number also increased in safe methods of disposal of used menstrual materials. Practice of hand washing after change of menstrual materials was also increased among participants. Less number of participants reported genito-urinary infections. Thus this study suggests the need of educational awareness for promotion of good menstrual hygiene and safe practices, which are crucial for health, 1 education and dignity of girls and women.