In-school Adolescent Girls Research Articles

Region, Location, and Age-Specific Comparison of Nutritional Status of In-School Adolescent Girls (10-19 years) in Nigeria

Objective: This study was conducted to assess the nutritional status of adolescent girls using anthropometric indices. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study of 2261 in-school adolescent girls aged 10 -19 was conducted. A multistage stratified random sampling procedure was used to select participants from three geopolitical zones in Nigeria. Two states selected from each zone; North Central (Kogi and Niger States), South East (Abia and Imo States) and South West (Osun and Ondo States). Body Mass Index-for-age, Waist-Hip-Ratio (WHR), and Waist-Height-Ratio were calculated by anthropometry of weight, height, hip, waist and Mid-Upper Arm Circumferences. Data were analysed on SPSS Version 24. Frequency, percentages, mean and standard deviations were used for descriptive while logistic regression and chi-square analyses were used for inferential statistics. Significance was taken at p<0.05. Results: Mean age was 14.86 years (± 1.78 years) and actual body weight was 47.81 kg (± 9.02 kg), which is lower than the ideal weight of 54.52 kg (± 9.05 kg). The negative variance of -6.71 kg shows that the girls weighed 6.71 (±9.73) kg less than their ideal weight. Overweight/Obesity/Risk of Abdominal Obesity was highest in South East region (p = .005) while underweight/undernourishment was highest in South West (p = .005). However, no significant difference was recorded between the urban and peri-urban populations (p = .005). Older girls; 14 -16yrs (OR = 2.311, 95%CI = 1.263 – 4.229) and 17 -19yrs (OR = 2.182, 95%CI = 1.253 – 3.799) were twice more likely to be Overweight/Obesity compared to 10 -13yrs. Those who were within the 14 -16yrs age range were thrice more likely to have higher WHR (OR = 3.043 95%CI = 2.334 -3.978) than those younger. Conclusion: There was a significant difference in the nutritional status of adolescent girls across regions and age ranges hence a need for regional nutrition-sensitive intervention programmes among adolescent girls. Keywords: High School Girls; Health Status; Body Stature; Body Measurement; Nigeria Region

“If I use pad, I feel comfortable and safe”: a mixed-method analysis of knowledge, attitude, and practice of menstrual hygiene management among in-school adolescent girls in a Nigerian city

BackgroundAdolescence is a pivotal stage in human development that presents unique challenges, especially for girls navigating the complexities of menstruation. Despite the importance of menstrual hygiene management for adolescent girls’ well-being, this vital aspect of personal health is often overlooked, particularly in regions where cultural stigma prevails. This study examines knowledge, attitude, and practice of menstrual hygiene management among in-school adolescent girls in Abuja, Nigeria.MethodsThe study employed a cross-sectional mixed-method design, integrating quantitative surveys with focus group discussions. A survey was conducted among 420 adolescent girls across four government junior secondary schools through a multistage sampling technique. Also, Focus Group Discussions were conducted among 80 respondents in groups of 10 discussants. The quantitative data set was subjected to descriptive and inferential statistical analysis, while the qualitative data were analysed using content analysis.ResultsFindings revealed that the majority (53.45%) of the respondents had good knowledge of menstruation and menstrual hygiene management. Junior Secondary School (JSS) 3 students [OR = 2,09; 95% CI = 1.24–3.52] and those who started menstruation at age 15 years and above [OR = 7.52; 95% CI = 1.43–39.49] were associated with increased odds of having good knowledge of menstrual hygiene management. The attitude of most respondents (70.08%) towards menstrual hygiene management was good. Those in the JSS 3 class [OR = 6.47; 95% CI = 3.34–12.54], respondents who are Muslim [OR = 2.29; 95% CI = 1.63–5.48], and those whose parents had tertiary education [OR = 3.58; 95% CI = 1.25–10.25] were more likely to demonstrate more positive attitudes compared to their counterparts whose parents do not have tertiary education. In relation to practice, about 3 in 5 (57.80%) reportedly practise good menstrual hygiene management. Respondents who practice traditional religion [OR = 0.33; 95% CI = 0.02–4.56] were less likely to practise good menstrual hygiene management, while respondents who are the third child of their parents [OR = 2.09; 95% CI = 1.04–4.23] were more likely to practise menstrual hygiene compared to respondents with other birth orders. Qualitative results showed that participants had good knowledge of menstruation and menstrual hygiene management, and mothers were the main source of menstruation-related information. Participants had mixed feelings and reactions during their first menstruation, with 3 in 5 participants reporting experiencing menstruation-related stigma restrictions when menstruating.ConclusionsIn-school adolescent girls in Abuja, Nigeria, have good menstruation-related knowledge and positive attitudes, as well as practise menstrual hygiene management. Students’ class and age at first menstruation were major factors associated with good knowledge of menstruation and menstrual hygiene management; respondents’ class, religion and parents’ educational qualification were associated with a positive attitude, while respondents’ religion and parity line were associated with menstrual hygiene practice. Future interventions should focus on conducting school and community-level awareness programs to increase knowledge and dispel myths and misconceptions about menstruation and menstrual hygiene management.

The health-related impacts of climate change faced by in-school adolescent girls in rural Zimbabwe

The health-related impacts of climate change faced by in-school adolescent girls in rural Zimbabwe

Effects of sexual and gender-based violence on psycho-socio development of in-school adolescent girls in Alimosho local government area of Lagos, Nigeria

The study focused on the effect of sexual and gender-based violence on the psycho-socio development of in-school adolescents in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria. One hundred randomly selected in-school Adolescents girls constitute the sample of the study. The study adopted descriptive survey method as a research design. Chi-square statistical method was used to analyze the data gathered from the respondents. The findings of the study indicated that sexual and gender-based violence have significant effects on the psychosocial development of in-school adolescent girls. Among others, it was recommended that all hands must be on deck to protect adolescent girls from being victims of these psychological threat and evil trend in our societies. The findings of this study will assist policy makers both in educational sector and society at large to come up with policies that will protect Adolescent male and female from being a victim of sexual and gender base violence

The Effects of Sexual and Gender Based Violence on Psycho-Socio Development of In-School Adolescent Girls in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos, Nigeria

Purpose: The study focused on the effect of sexual and gender-based violence on the psycho-socio development of in-school adolescents in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria. One hundred randomly selected in-school Adolescents girls constitute the sample of the study.
 Methodology: The study adopted descriptive survey method as a research design. Chi-square statistical method was used to analyze the data gathered from the respondents.
 Findings: The findings of the study indicated that sexual and gender based violence have significant effects on the psychosocial development of in-school adolescent girls.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: Among others, it was recommended that all hands must be on deck to protect adolescent girls from being victims of these psychological threat and evil trend in our societies. The findings of this study will assist policy makers both in Educational sector and society at large to come up with policies that will protect Adolescent male and female from being a victim of sexual and gender base violence

“Kudliwa imali, kudliwe umuntu”: In-school Adolescent Girls’ Experiences of Umqasho and Transactional Sex in a Rural Sub-District of Northern KwaZulu-Natal

This study examined the intersecting impact of structural inequalities and transactional sex on in-school adolescent girls’ risk of pregnancy and poor educational outcomes in rural northern KwaZulu-Natal. In this article, we understand structural inequalities as providing a basis for transactional relationships between adolescent girls and older men. Participatory visual research methods were employed with 18- and 19-year-old girls and boys to examine multiple systems of oppression and inequalities experienced by in-school rural adolescent girls, focusing particularly on their vulnerability to transactional sex, pregnancy and poor educational outcomes. In this context, moralising discourses on transactional sexual relationships are unhelpful if structural barriers placing girls at risk are not addressed.

Comprehensive sexuality education linked to sexual and reproductive health services reduces early and unintended pregnancies among in-school adolescent girls in Zambia

BackgroundAdvancing the health of adolescents, particularly their sexual and reproductive health, including HIV prevention and care, is a development imperative. A critical part for improving their wellbeing and economic development is the social status accorded to adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). However, AGYW in many countries including Zambia, encounter health challenges that stem from gender inequalities, lack of empowerment, inaccurate knowledge on sexuality, and poor access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services and information. Addressing the knowledge gaps through comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) and improving access to SRH services and appropriate information, should reduce school attrition from early and unintended pregnancies (EUP) and enhance realization of their full potential.MethodsThe aim was to reduce EUP and improve SRH outcomes among AGYW in Zambia through provision of CSE linked to receptive SRH services. A 3-Arm randomized control study collected cross-sectional data at baseline, midline and Endline. Schools where CSE was being routinely provided were randomized into a non-intervention arm (arm1), an intervention arm in which information on available SRH services was provided in schools by health workers to complement CSE, (arm 2), and arm 3 in which pupils receiving CSE were also encouraged or supported to access pre-sensitized, receptive SRH services.ResultsFollowing 3 years of intervention exposure (CSE-Health Facility linkages), findings showed a significant decline of in-school pregnancies amongst AGYW in both intervention arms, with arm two exhibiting a more significant decline, having recorded only 0.74% pregnancies at endline (p < 0.001), as well as arm 3, which recorded 1.34% pregnancies (p < 0.001). No significant decline was recorded in the CSE only control arm. Trends in decline of pregnancies started to show by midline, and persisted at endline (2020), and when difference in differences test was applied, the incident rate ratios (IRR) between the none and exposed arms were equally significant (p < 0.001).ConclusionLinking provision of CSE with accessible SRH services that are receptive to needs of adolescents and young people reduces EUP, which provides the opportunity for higher retention in school for adolescent girls.

Menstrual hygiene management practice and its associated factors among in-school adolescent girls in Western Ethiopia

BackgroundAdolescent girls should practice good menstrual hygiene to enhance their health and educational attainment. However, socio-cultural restrictions and limited water, sanitation, and hygiene in school environments continued to make it difficult for in school adolescent females to practice good menstrual hygiene management. So, the main aim of this study was to assess menstrual hygiene management practice and its associated factors among in-school adolescent girls in the secondary schools of Gimbi town, western Ethiopia.MethodsA school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 378 adolescent girls in Gimbi town secondary schools. The study participants were selected by using stratified random sampling techniques. Pretested self-administered Afan Oromo questionnaire with sociodemographic characteristics, information and knowledge about menstruation, and practice of menstrual hygiene management, as well as observational checklist to assess school environment were used to collect the data. Data were cleaned, coded, and entered into Epi-info version 7.2.0.4 and exported to SPSS version 25 for statistical analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with the practice of menstrual hygiene management and P-values less than 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance.ResultsOut of 378 respondents, 163 (43.1%) (38–48) of adolescent girls had good menstrual hygiene management practice. Being urban resident (AOR = 3.48, (95% C.I:1.99–6.08), having mother with secondary level of education (AOR = 2.71, 95%CI: 1.15,6.42), having mother with educational level of college and above (AOR = 3.30, 95%CI1.28,8.50), having discussion about menstruation with parents (AOR = 2.42,95%CI:1.45,4.04), and having knowledge about menstruation (AOR = 2.94, 95% CI: 1.69–5.13) were factors associated with good menstrual hygiene management practice.ConclusionIn this study, good menstrual hygiene management practice is low among in school adolescent girls. Place of residence, maternal educational level, discussion about menstrual issue with parent, and having knowledge about menstruation were factors associated with good menstrual management practice. Stakeholders should give appropriate awareness and health education related to menstrual hygiene for adolescent girls at all levels.

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;

EFFECTS OF EDUCATIONAL INTERVENTION ON SEXUAL HEALTH KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND BEHAVIORAL PRACTICES: A SCHOOL-BASED STUDY IN CALABAR, NIGERIA

Background: High risk sexual behavior (HRSB) contributes significantly to sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) and unwanted pregnancy. This study was aimed at assessing effects of interactive educational intervention, on knowledge, attitude and practice of safe sexual behavior, among sexually active in-school adolescent girls in Calabar, Nigeria. Methods: Quasi-experimental study design was used, with recruitment of one hundred and twenty (120) respondents in two senior secondary schools, comprising sixty (60) each, in groups 1 (control) and 2 (intervention). Group 2 received 2-hour daily, 3-day face-to-face educational teachings on sexual health. Outcome measures assessed at baseline, immediate post-intervention and 12-weeks follow-up, were level of knowledge, attitude and sexual health behavioral practices, with maximum scores of 62, 55 and 35, respectively. Independent t-test was used as inferential statistic, with p-value set at 0.05. Result: Mean age was 17.2 ± 1.1 years (14-19 years). At baseline, comparing groups 1 and 2, there was no significant difference in level of knowledge (24.7 vs. 26.1), attitude (33.7 vs. 32.2) and practice (23.8 vs. 24.7) of sexual health. Compared with group 1 (control), respondents in group 2 (intervention) had significantly higher level of knowledge of sexual health at immediate post-intervention (25.5 vs. 56.4, p&lt;0.05) and 12-weeks follow-up (24.0 vs. 50.8, p&lt;0.05). There was no significant difference in practice scores between the groups comparing these periods (p&gt;0.05). Conclusion: Interactive educational intervention, is effective in improving knowledge of sexual health among sexually active adolescent girls. Concerted effort at establishing and sustaining school-based sexual health education should be encouraged.

Assessment of an Educational Intervention on the Perception of Adolescent Girls towards Menstrual Hygiene in Ogun State, Nigeria

In low and middle-income countries, menstruation is impeded by several misconceptions, taboos and shrouded in secrecy. This serves as a major challenge to proper Education regarding menstrual hygiene and has blocked the access of adolescent girls to the right kind of information, thereby influencing a negative outcome associated with harmful behaviours. The objective of the study was to investigate the assessment of an educational intervention on the perception of adolescent girls towards menstrual hygiene in Ogun state, Nigeria. The study utilized a quasi-experimental design. One hundred and twenty (120) in-school adolescent girls were selected through a multistage sampling technique from four (4) secondary schools within four (4) local government areas in Ogun State, Nigeria. A validated 23-items questionnaire measured on a 69-point rating scale with a Cronbach Alpha scores 0.79 was used for data collection. The mean ±SD age and age at menarche of adolescent girls was 14.92±1.82; 12.73±1.38. The majority of respondents had low scores of perceptions. The educational intervention had an effective change in the level of perception of adolescent schoolgirls between baseline and the 6th-week follow-up, indicating a mean difference of 26.70 (p&lt;0.01) for the peer-led, 26.54(p&lt;0.01) parent-led, 20.16(p&lt;0.01) parent and peer-led and a decrease in mean in the control group (-0.17; p=0.866). The peer-led educational approach had a better impact on adolescent girls’ perception compared to other educational approaches. Hence, this is an indication that peer-education strategies should be utilized for further interventions and in reaching out to adolescents.

Effect of Peer-Led and Parent-Led Education Interventions on Menstrual Hygiene-Related Knowledge of In-School Adolescent Girls in Ogun State, Nigeria

The purposes of the study was to determine the effectiveness of peer-led and parent-led education on menstrual hygiene-related knowledge of in-school adolescent girls in Ogun state, Nigeria, which was conceptualized using the Health Belief Model. The study employed a quasi-experimental design with 120 in-school adolescent girls selected through a multistage sampling technique from four (4) secondary schools within Ogun East. A validated instrument was used for data collection. The findings showed that the adolescent girls' level of menstrual hygiene knowledge had a significant increase after the intervention. The peer-led group better predicted higher knowledge scores (mean diff = 7.13; effect size = 4.34; t = 19.091; p = 0.000). In conclusion, the peer-led education intervention was more effective in improving the level of adolescent girls' menstrual hygiene knowledge in Ogun State. It is recommended that peer educators be recruited for future interventions to change the reproductive health behaviors of adolescent girls nationally.

An outcome of educational intervention on the menstrual hygiene practices among school girls in Ogun State, Nigeria: a quasi-experimental study.

Introductionadolescence is a special period of physical and psychological preparation for safe motherhood that requires specific attention as it marks the onset of menarche. Hygiene-related practices are significant during menstruation to prevent being predisposed to reproductive tract infections and other complications. The main objective of the study was to determine the outcome of educational intervention on the menstrual hygiene practices among school girls in Ogun State, Nigeria using the health belief model. One hypothesis guided the study.Methodsthe study utilized a quasi-experimental design comprising of three experimental groups and one control group. The population of the study was one hundred and twenty (120) in-school adolescent girls. The multistage sampling technique was used in selecting participants from four secondary schools within Ogun State. A validated semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection with a Cronbach alpha with a score of 0.87. Data collected were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.Resultsa paired T-test analysis was conducted in determining the results. The observed difference in the mean in the parent-led (Δ = 3.80; t = 20.886; p=0.000), peer-led group (Δ = 4.23; t = 19.901; p=0.000), and combination of parent and peer-led group intervention group (Δ = 3.53; t = 18.015; p=0.000) were statistically significant.Conclusionpeer-led experimental group had the greatest effective change in the level of adolescent girls´ menstrual hygiene practices. Peer educators could be recruited for future interventions and scaled up in other aspects of young girls´ reproductive health and well-being.

The Prevalence of Iron Deficiency Anemia and its Associated Risk Factors among a Samples of Primary Schools Students in Burao City,Somaliland

Background: Anemia is a global public health problem affecting the majority of the population of the world in both developed and developing countries with major consequences on human health as well as social and economic development. It is the world's second leading cause of disability of the whole global disease burden. It affects 1.62 billion (24.8%) of the population among them it is affecting 305 million (25.4%) school age children (SAC). Objectives: The main objective of this study was assess prevalence and factors associated with anemia among schoolage children in primary schools in Burao city, Somaliland, 2020. Materials & Methods: A school based cross sectional study design was done in four primary schools in Burao, Somaliland. About 285 school age children with in the age group between 6-14 years were selected with respondent rate of 93.4%. Random sampling was used to select schools and systemic random sampling used to identify children from the selected schools. Sociaodemographic data was collected by using questionnaire & interview of respondents in addition to anthropometric measurement, hemoglobin measurement and stool examination. Complete Blood Counting (CBC) was used to determine the mean corpuscular (kor-PUS-kyu-lar) volume (MCV) and hematocrit (HMC) levels to detect of hemoglobin status of the children. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS statistical software for Windows version 21. Anthropometric data was analyzed using WHO Anthro Plus. Bivariate logistic regression and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify independent predictors of anemia in-school adolescent girls. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: A total of 285 school age children were included in this study. The overall prevalence of anemia was ( 23.1%) (CI: 18.1%, 28.1%) with the mean and standard deviation of (12.7±1.59). Out of the anemic children, 20.4% were mild and 2.3% and 0.4% of them were moderate and severe respectively. Children's from illiterate mothers was (AOR = 2.37; 95%CI: 1.14, 4.94), consuming organ meat less than once a week (AOR = 2.19; 95%CI: 1.05, 4.43) and having parasites on stool were identified as statistically independent associated factors of anemia in school age children's from Burao, Somaliland. Conclusion: Prevalence of anemia in Burao city, Somaliland primary schools was moderate public health problem in the current study area. Nutrition education, iron folic acid supplementation program, deworming, good hygiene and sanitation are play important role in the prevalence of anemia and we recommend to give them more attention from ministry education and ministry of health in Somaliland.

Exploration of Barriers to the Uptake of Nutritional Services Among Adolescent Girls from the Rural Communities of Tigray Region, Northern Ethiopia: A Qualitative Study.

BackgroundAdolescence is a time of tremendous physical growth and mental development, with high nutrient requirements. Ethiopia is among the countries with a high prevalence of nutritional deficiencies among the women of reproductive age group, whilst adolescent girls from rural areas suffered disproportionately. However, there is a dearth of evidence regarding the barriers that hinder adolescent girls to utilize the available nutritional services.PurposeThe current study aimed to qualitatively explore the range of barriers for the uptake of nutritional interventions among adolescent girls in rural communities of Tigray, Northern Ethiopia.Methods and ParticipantsWe employed an explorative qualitative study among purposively selected adolescent girls and school teachers from rural districts of Tigray region. We conducted 11 focused group discussions with adolescent girls, 17 in-depth interviews (seven with teachers, seven with in-school adolescent girls, and three with out-of-school adolescent girls) using a semi-structured guide. Data was audio-taped, transcribed verbatim in local language, translated into English, and imported into ATLAS.ti version 7.5 qualitative data analysis software for analysis.ResultsAdolescents perceived that stunting, anemia, and thinness are among the main nutritional problems in their community. Food insecurity, limited nutrition awareness in the community, limited access to a water source, high workload, service provider’s little attention for adolescents’ nutrition, and food taboo have emerged as barriers for the uptake of adolescent girls’ nutritional interventions. Though limited in reach, available nutritional interventions include awareness creation, nutritional supplementation, and disease prevention.ConclusionFood insecurity poses a strong challenge to adolescent girls’ nutrition. As access to safe drinking water continues to be a considerable bottleneck for nutritional interventions, a multi-sectoral response to integrate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services is required. Bounded by food taboo, high burden of workload among the adolescent girls, women empowerment and nutritional status seem to be the unfinished agenda in resource limited settings such as the rural areas of Tigray region.

Human Papilloma Virus Transmission: Knowledge and Uptake of HPV Vaccine among In-school Adolescent Girls in South-South Nigeria

Background: HPV infection is the most common STI in sexually active adolescents. It has been implicated in majority of cases of cervical cancers. HPV is preventable. Potent Vaccines are available.&#x0D; Objective: This study assessed what adolescents know about HPV infection and HPV vaccination, their attitude and uptake of HPV vaccine. This was also to raise awareness and obtain data that will be useful in identifying where to intervene to improve coverage.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study carried out in Rivers State, Nigeria. Study tool was a semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire. Multi-stage sampling method was used to recruit adolescent girls from secondary schools.&#x0D; Results: 445 in-school adolescent girls aged 9 to 19 years participated. Mean age was 13.4 SD = ±2.2 years. 36.6% and 36.8% had heard of HPV infection and HPV vaccine respectively. Only 3.1% of the participants knew HPV could be prevented through vaccination. 71.7% indicated willingness to obtain the vaccine. Only 3.6% self reported to have received at least one dose of the vaccine at the time of the survey. Uptake of HPV vaccine (P=0.00), willingness to be vaccinated (P=0.005) highest among adolescents that had heard of HPV vaccine and those who perceived themselves to be at risk for HPV infection (P=0.005). Insufficient health information, cost of HPV vaccines identified as key barriers to vaccines utilization.&#x0D; Conclusion: Notwithstanding the low level of knowledge about HPV infection and HPV vaccines willingness to be vaccinated was high. Our study shows that uptake of vaccination is low in our locality.

Psychosocial correlates of safe sex self-efficacy among in-school adolescent girls in Lagos, Nigeria.

Adolescent girls in Nigeria are at heightened risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. However, there are limited studies on psychosocial factors that are associated with safe sex intentions among this population. Self-efficacy has been established as an important correlate of behavioral intentions and the actual behavior. The objective of this research was to examine how key psychosocial factors such as social support, parental monitoring, and future orientation influence perceived safe sex self-efficacy among in-school adolescent girls in Nigeria. Furthermore, we assessed the associations between these psychosocial factors and HIV-related knowledge and safe sex self-efficacy. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 426 adolescent girls attending public and private school systems in Lagos, Nigeria. Multiple linear regression was used to evaluate the influence of psychosocial and demographic factors on safe sex self-efficacy. Further, stratified analysis was conducted to compare the estimates between participants attending public schools (n = 272) and those attending private schools (n = 154). Results from the study show that future orientation (β = 0.17; p < 0.05), participants age (β = 0.14; p < 0.05), and HIV knowledge accuracy (β = 0.17; p < 0.05) were associated with safe sex self-efficacy. Future orientation remained statistically significant in the sub-group analysis among participants attending public (β = 0.13; p < 0.05) and private schools (β = 0.24; p < 0.05). Among participants attending public schools, HIV accuracy (β = 0.2; p < 0.05) remained a significant correlate of safe sex self-efficacy while this association dissipated among private school attendees. These findings point to the importance of including future orientation strategies in interventions developed for in-school adolescent girls in Nigeria. School-based interventions that increase positive future orientation outcomes may be beneficial to improve safe sex intentions among adolescent girls in Nigeria.

Population-level effective coverage of adolescent weekly iron and folic acid supplementation is low in rural West Bengal, India.

To assess the coverage of the adolescent weekly iron and folic acid supplementation (WIFS) programme in rural West Bengal, India. We conducted a population-based cross-sectional survey of intended WIFS programme beneficiaries (in-school adolescent girls and boys and out-of-school adolescent girls). Birbhum Health and Demographic Surveillance System. A total of 4448 adolescents 10-19 years of age participated in the study. The percentage of adolescents who reported taking four WIFS tablets during the last month as intended by the national programme was 9·4 % among in-school girls, 7·1 % for in-school boys and 2·3 % for out-of-school girls. The low effective coverage was due to the combination of large deficits in WIFS provision and poor adherence. A large proportion of adolescents reported they were not provided any WIFS tablets in the last month: 61·7 % of in-school girls, 73·3 % of in-school boys and 97·1 % of out-of-school girls. In terms of adherence, only 41·6 % of in-school girls, 38·1 % of in-school boys and 47·4 % of out-of-school girls reported that they consumed all WIFS tablets they received. Counselling from teachers, administrators and school staff was the primary reason adolescents reported taking WIFS tablets, whereas the major reasons for non-adherence were lack of perceived benefit, peer suggestion not to take WIFS and a reported history of side effects. The effective coverage of the WIFS programme for in-school adolescents and out-of-school adolescent girls is low in rural Birbhum. Integrated supply- and demand-side strategies appear to be necessary to increase the effective coverage and potential benefits of the WIFS programme.

Home Food Availability, Food Insecurity and Nutrition Knowledge Are Key Factors Influencing Dietary Diversity Among Adolescent Girls in Southern Ethiopia

Abstract Objectives In Ethiopia, where 40% of the population is under 15 years, evidence on adolescent nutrition is limited. We examined the dietary diversity and its determinants among in-school adolescent girls in 2 regions in southern Ethiopia. Methods We used household survey data from 162 in-school adolescent girls aged 10–14 y across 54 primary schools in one agrarian region (SNNP) and one pastoralist region (Somali), collected in October-November 2019. Multiple regression models were used to examine factors such as nutrition knowledge, food availability and food insecurity associated with the dietary diversity score, adjusted for age and geographic clustering. Results All of the adolescent girls were currently enrolled in school (grades 4–8), and most resided with their mothers (96.9%) and fathers (80.2%). Prevalence of thinness was 11.7% (body mass index (BMI)-for-age Z-score &amp;lt; −2SD), and 35.2% were mildly thin (BMI-for-age Z-score &amp;lt; -1SD). Dietary diversity was low, with 3.7 food groups (out of 10) consumed in the last 24 h. Also, 48.8% reported consuming sweets and sugar-sweetened beverages in the last 24 h. Nutrition knowledge among adolescents was moderate, with an average score of 4.8 out of 8 knowledge items. On occurrences of food insecurity in the past 30 days, they reported an average score of 1.1 (out of 9 items). However, household surveys revealed a high degree of food insecurity (56.2%). Adolescents also reported that only 3.6 food groups (out of 10) were available at home some/most/all of the time (that is, 3–7 days) over the past 7 days. Unsurprisingly, food availability at home (β = 0.30, P = 0.000) and food insecurity (β = −0.12, P = 0.013) followed by nutrition knowledge (β = 0.11, 0 = 0.031) were significantly associated with dietary diversity score. Conclusions Understanding the factors influencing poor diets among adolescents will help to enhance the design of educational interventions to improve adolescent nutrition outcomes, a critical priority in Ethiopia. However, household food insecurity and household food availability are serious concerns in this context. Funding Sources Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation, through Alive &amp; Thrive, managed by FHI 360; and CGIAR Research Program on Agriculture for Nutrition and Health (A4NH), led by the International Food Policy Research Institute.

Menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls in junior high schools in rural northern Ghana.

Introductionthe issue of menstrual hygiene is inadequately acknowledged and efforts to address the gaps has been unsatisfactory. Hygienic menstrual practice such as the use of sanitary pads is crucial during menstruation. Lack of sanitation facilities, especially for school girls, makes them vulnerable to emotional and physical challenges during their menstrual days. This study sought to investigate menstrual hygiene management among adolescent girls in junior high schools in rural northern Ghana.Methods: a school-based cross-sectional study design was used. Multistage sampling technique was employed to select 730 school girls who had attained their menarche. Menstrual hygiene management was rated using the Selvi and Ramachandran scale. Bivariate analysis was conducted to compare good and poor menstrual hygiene management. The data were analyzed using STATA version 13.1.Resultsthe prevalence of good menstrual hygiene was 61.4%. Mothers' education and parents' socio-economic status were significantly associated with menstrual hygiene management. Inadequate sanitation facilities was a major challenge to menstrual hygiene management at schools. The use of sanitary pads was significantly associated with school attendance (p-value < 0.0001).Conclusionthe level of menstrual hygiene among in-school adolescent girls in northern Ghana is described as average. Although most of the schools had toilet facilities, they lacked clean water, soap, privacy and dustbins which are necessary for menstrual hygiene management. Interventions should target improving water, sanitation and hygiene facilities in schools as well as supply of pads to girls in rural school.