Young Adolescent Girls Research Articles

A Longitudinal Study of Pubertal Timing and Tempo on Body Shame Among Young Adolescent Girls and Boys

A Longitudinal Study of Pubertal Timing and Tempo on Body Shame Among Young Adolescent Girls and Boys

Exploring barriers to menstrual education between maternal figures and young girls: A pilot study in South Africa

AbstractThe study sought to explore barriers to menstrual education between maternal figures and young girls. Menstruation is a key part of the reproductive process and affects young adolescent girls. Menstrual blood is perceived as contaminating and impure, leading to the socialization of women and girls undergoing menstruation to feel soiled and impure. Menstruation is enveloped in feelings of disgust and shame, and societal expectations, dictating that women should conceal the appearance and odor of menstrual blood. Prevailing cultural narratives depict menstruation as a “hygienic crisis” necessitating management and concealment. In sub‐Saharan Africa, menstruation is afflicted with shame and stigma, with cultural and religious practices that support its concealment and secrecy. This is explained in the pollution theory which sees menstruation as dirt. This study used qualitative research to get the lived experiences of 10 maternal figures and 10 young adolescent girls through semi‐structured interviews. Maternal figures are the mothers/guardians of adolescent girls. The data was coded using similarities/differences in three themes (knowledge about menstruation, source of information, and quality of information shared). In the first theme, due to the concealment and treatment of menstruation with secrecy, knowledge about menstruation is not often provided. In the second theme, due to norms of concealment, maternal figures do shy away from being sources of information. In the last theme, stigma and shame limit the quality of information shared, leaving misinformation and further perpetuation of menstrual taboos. The study concluded that shame and stigma limit menstrual education and awareness. The information deficit has long‐lasting effects on young girls, creating a complex relationship that adversely affects their ability to embrace their womanhood and further pass on knowledge to future generations of adolescent girls.

Determinants of Parental Intention to Vaccinate Young Adolescent Girls against the Human Papillomavirus in Taiwan: An Online Survey Study.

Since 2018, Taiwan has included the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination into its national immunization program for junior high school girls. However, the reports of side effects following vaccination have increased parental concerns. This study investigated parental intentions regarding the HPV vaccination for their daughters and related factors in Taiwan. A total of 213 parents of girls aged between 12 and 15 years participated in an online survey. The survey collected data on various factors, including the parental intention to vaccinate their daughters against HPV; the motivation behind the vaccinations, as measured using the Motors of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Acceptance Scale; an understanding of the reasons behind the government's promotion of HPV vaccinations; concerns regarding the side effects of vaccinations for their daughters; an awareness of the reported side effects of HPV vaccines experienced by some individuals; the exposure to information on HPV vaccines from social media; and mental health status, measured using the Brief Symptom Rating Scale. The associations between these variables and the parental intention to vaccinate their daughters against HPV were examined using a multivariable linear regression analysis model. The findings revealed a moderate to high level of intention among participants to vaccinate their daughters against HPV. Parents who perceived a greater value in HPV vaccination for their daughters' health (B = 0.524, standard error [se] = 0.039, p < 0.001) and had greater autonomy in decision-making regarding vaccination (B = 0.086, se = 0.038, p = 0.026) exhibited a higher intention to vaccinate their daughters against HPV. Conversely, parents who expressed greater concern regarding the side effects of HPV vaccines for their daughters had a lower intention to vaccinate (B = -0.762, se = 0.203, p < 0.001). Based on these findings, this study recommends integrating these factors into the design of intervention programs aimed at enhancing parental intentions to vaccinate their daughters against HPV.

A Cross-sectional study to assess the mental health problems during menstrual cycle among adolescent girls in the rural area of Wardha District

Introduction It is essential to improve global public health and to achieve sustainable developmental goals. Mental health problems are common during menstruation in adolescent girls. Menstrual problems affect academic performance, personal lives, and social lives. Menstrual problems are both affective and somatic. This study is undertaken to study the Impact of Menstruation on the Mental Health of young adolescent girls. The participants ‘ ages range from 15 to 19 years. Adolescent coping method ds Mental health, psychological well-being, and spiritual well-being were assessed. Menstrual-phase respondents exhibited increased psychological traits as a measure of adolescent girls’ coping with mental difficulties. Objectives To evaluate menstruation-related knowledge, attitude, sources of information, and psychological well-being To determine the mental health problems during the menstrual cycle. To find out the association between sociodemographic variables and mental health problems during menstrual cycle Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in a rural area of the Wardha district. This study used a descriptive cross-sectional research design. A sample of 364 individuals was selected using random sampling. The inclusion criteria were adolescent girls aged 15–19 years who attained menstruation. Exclusion criteria: Girls younger than 15 years and above 19 years, as well as those who were hesitant and uncomfortable asking for information to participate in the study, were excluded. Outcomes Adolescent girls experienced menstruation-related psychosocial issues that are not uncommon. Menstrual distress, burden, stigma, lack of counselling services, lack of preparation menarche, lack of easy access to clean resources, vacy concerns when changing pads are necessary, lack of facilities for disposing sanitary napkins, and inadequate psychological and social support. Most girls experienced stress, mood swings, and restlessness during their menstrual cycle. These findings are consistent with past studies that found that the majority of girls were agitated during menstruation. Approximately 25% of them felt ashamed and guilty about their pubertal changes, and experienced menarche in fear, shyness, and sadness. On the first day of menstruation, girls report psychological problems such as anxiety, trouble concentrating, sadness, irritability, and excitement7. Approximately two-thirds of teenagers in the current study were unaware that menarche occurred earlier.

Anemia Prevalence and Socioeconomic Status among Adolescent Girls in Rural Western India: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Anemia poses a significant challenge among Indian adolescent girls due to their heightened vulnerability, resulting from increased micronutrient requirements, rapid physical growth, menstrual blood loss, inadequate nutrition, and socioeconomic disparities. This study sought to evaluate the prevalence of anemia, along with socioeconomic and nutritional statuses among adolescent girls attending rural public schools in Pune, India. A sample of 400 girls was selected from 22 villages through Symbiosis International University. Hemoglobin levels were assessed using the HemoCue 201 system, while standardized protocols were employed for height, weight, and BMI-for-age measurements. Socioeconomic status was determined using the Kuppuswamy scale. The findings revealed an overall anemia prevalence of (42.75%), comprising severe (2.5%), moderate (21%) and mild (20.25%) cases. Additionally, a substantial proportion (74.6%) of girls were classified as underweight. Socioeconomic analysis disclosed that 64.25% of families belonged to the lower middle class, and 27% in the upper lower class. Anemia was more prevalent in young adolescent girls (10-14 years) and in the families of adolescents who had low income, were illiterate, unemployed, and belonged to the lower-middle class and upper-lower-class socio-economic status (SES) and did not have a bank account. Anemia was prevalent in adolescent girls and associated with low SES. This study underscores the limitations of relying solely on the distribution of iron and folic acid tablets to combat anemia. A holistic strategy is imperative, encompassing improvements in SES of families (literacy, employment and income), as well as initiatives aimed at enhancing the nutritional status of adolescent girls.

Sexual health knowledge acquisition processes among very young adolescent girls in rural Malawi: Implications for sexual and reproductive health programs.

Early adolescence is a period characterized by enormous biological, cognitive, sexual, emotional, and social changes. Sexual curiosity and the desire to acquire sexual health (SH) information are part of these developments. Understanding the SH knowledge acquisition process is critical for designing interventions that can best support very young adolescents (VYAs). This study explored the SH knowledge acquisition processes among VYA girls aged 10 to 14 years who attended the DREAMs Girl Only Clubs (GOCs) and those who did not. The GOCs were a part of a larger comprehensive HIV prevention project called DREAMS (Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored, and Safe) which provided an evidence-based core package of interventions to VYAs to prevent HIV. In-depth interviews were conducted with 43 VYA girls aged 10-14 years in two rural southern districts of Zomba and Machinga in Malawi. Twenty-three VYA girls were GOC participants and 20 VYAs were not. Guided by the Social Ecological Model, a thematic analysis approach was used to analyze the data with the assistance of Nvivo 12 software. The SH knowledge acquisition processes were the interaction of various factors at the microsystem (self-efficacy, attitudes, trust and the beginning of menstruation), mesosystem (communication of SH issues between VYAs and their immediate family and peers), and exosystem levels (availability of life skills programs and mother-groups in schools and availability of GOCs). Compared to Non-GOC participants, GOC participants demonstrated an in-depth knowledge of SH issues and positive sexual behaviors such as HIV testing. Limitations to SH knowledge acquisition were adult messages' focus on sexual relationship avoidance and on girls who have started menstruation; the perception of adults not being knowledgeable about SH and school teachers hiding some SH information. VYAs' SH interventions that provide VYAs with accurate, consistent, and age-appropriate SH information such as the GOCs have the potential to address the limitations that other sources have in reaching VYAs. Integrating such interventions with programs that empower parents, other adults, and teachers with comprehensive SH information and with skills on how to deliver SH information to VYAs can enhance VYAs' SH knowledge acquisition and influence positive behavior change.

Adolescent girls’ participation in peer-group improved condom use at sexual debut in rural Eastern Ethiopia: a community based cross-sectional study

Background: Adolescent girls engaged in sexual activity are unlikely to use condoms during their sexual debut. Younger adolescents are also not often targeted for sexual-related interventions because of the taboos associated with sexuality in traditional societies. This study examined the association between peer-group participation and condom use at sexual debut among young adolescent girls in rural Eastern Ethiopia. Design: The study analyzed data from a large quasi-experimental study involving 3290 young adolescent girls aged 13-17. The intervention targeted adolescent girls aged 10 – 14 years. Unmarried sexually active adolescent girls, and married girls who had their sexual debut before marriage were the study population. Multi-level mixed-effect logistic regression analysis was employed to examine associations using STATA/SE version 16 statistical software. Results Among 3290 adolescent girls surveyed, 258 (7.84%) reported engaging in sexual intercourse. The Mean(+SD) age at sexual debut was 14.36 (+1.32), with no observed statistical difference between the intervention and control groups (p=0.1164). The magnitude of condom use at sexual debut was 22.46%, 95 % CI (14.11, 33.81%). The odds of using condoms during sexual debut among girls who participated in peer-group was 11.51 times higher (Adjusted OR: 11.51, 95% CI: 1.95, 67.84) than those in the control group. Conclusions Peer group participation improved condom use at sexual debut. Peer groups can be critical for engaging adolescent girls in HIV and other sexually transmitted infection prevention and avoiding unwanted/unplanned pregnancies. Further studies with larger sample size and specifically design research is necessary to generate evidence for scale up of this potentially lifesaving intervention.

COVID-19 pandemic impact on adolescent mental health: a reassessment accounting for development

Current prospective reports suggest a pandemic-related increase in adolescent mental health problems. We examine whether age-related change over 11–14 years accounts for this increase. Mothers and adolescents in a UK-based birth cohort (Wirral Child Health and Development Study; WCHADS; N = 737) reported on adolescent depression and behavioural problems pre-pandemic (December 2019–March 2020), mid-pandemic (June 2020–March 2021) and late pandemic (July 2021–March 2022). Analysis used repeated measures models for over-dispersed Poisson counts with an adolescent-specific intercept with age as a time-varying covariate. Maturational curves for girls, but not for boys, showed a significant increase in self-reported depression symptoms over ages 11–14 years. Behavioural problems decreased for both. After adjusting for age-related change, girls’ depression increased by only 13% at mid-pandemic and returned to near pre-pandemic level at late pandemic (mid versus late – 12%), whereas boys’ depression increased by 31% and remained elevated (mid versus late 1%). Age-adjusted behavioural problems increased for both (girls 40%, boys 41%) and worsened from mid- to late pandemic (girls 33%, boys 18%). Initial reports of a pandemic-related increase in depression in young adolescent girls could be explained by a natural maturational rise. In contrast, maturational decreases in boys’ depression and both boys’ and girls’ behavioural problems may mask an effect of the pandemic.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Menstrual Hygiene among Adolescent Girls in Urban and Rural Schools of Belagavi - An Observational Study

Background Due to taboos and sociocultural constraints surrounding menstruation and menstrual practices teenage girls continue to be unaware of scientific facts and hygienic health practices about their periods which can result in adverse health effects in the future.Objective To compare menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls in urban and rural areas of Belagavi.Methods This observational survey study which included 100 young adolescent high school girls aged 12-16 years as per inclusion and exclusion criteria was carried out in rural and urban schools in Belagavi. Data were collected using a menstrual hygiene management survey questionnaire regarding the knowledge practice and attitude towards menstrual hygiene.Results This observational survey study revealed that awareness and hygiene practices during menstruation were quite low in rural adolescent high school girls compared to urban adolescent high school girls.Conclusion This study concludes that practice knowledge and attitude towards menstrual hygiene was higher among adolescent girls in urban schools as compared to rural adolescent girls.

LEVEL AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF KNOWLEDGE REGARDING MENSTRUAL HYGIENE AMONG SCHOOL-GOING ADOLESCENT GIRLS IN RURAL JUMLA DISTRICT, NEPAL

Background: Mensuration is a natural process that occurs to women of reproductive age regularly throughout the reproductive years. Many Girls in developing countries do not have adequate knowledge and education about menstrual health before they start their menstruation. This study aimed to determine level of knowledge and its associated factors regarding menstrual hygiene among School-Going Adolescent Girls in rural Jumla district, Nepal. Methods: Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted in a rural area of Jumla district, Nepal, among 430 young adolescent girls, during January 2022- August 2022. Among 12 secondary schools of Jumla, 7 government secondary school were selected randomly by using lottery method. The data was analyzed using chi-square test. p value &lt;0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age was 17.1 (±1.14) years and the average age of menarche was 14 (±1.30) years. A total of 62.1% of them had good knowledge regarding menstruation and its management. There was statistically significant association among the grade of participants (p value0.014), mother’s education (p value: 0.039) and known about menstruation before the start of menarche (p value 0.001). Conclusions: The majority of the adolescent’s girls had good knowledge regarding menstrual hygiene, however there was a knowledge gap in specific areas. Knowledge level of menstrual hygiene was significantly associated with the grade of participants, mother’s education and known about mensuration before the start of menarche. The study suggested that girls in rural areas need more education on menstrual hygiene, taking into account of these factors.

Assessing the Efficacy of Ferrum Arsenicosum Mitigating Nutritional Anemia Among Young Adolescent Girls: A Pilot Study

Nutritional anemia is a prevalent health concern, particularly in young girls age ranging from 15-30 years identifying the cause of different issues in the girls caused because of nutritional anemia is very crucial. This study is done to know the effectiveness of Ferrum Arsenicosum in improving nutritional anemia. Participants were administered Ferrum Arsenicosum under controlled conditions, and their hemoglobin levels were monitored over a specified period. 100 students were screened out of which 75 students were anemic. 20 samples were taken consent and administered Ferrum Ars -30CH for 3months. The study was analyzed statistically where Ferrum-Arsenicosum is showed drastic improvement in Hb% levels. Keywords: Nutritional anaemia, Haemoglobin, Iron, Ferrum-Arsenicosum, Anaemia Mukt Bharat

The Association between Intrahousehold Food Allocation Social Norms and Thinness among Young Adolescent Girls: A Community-Based Study.

Inequalities in food allocation related to social norms among household members significantly affect the nutritional status and well-being of the vulnerable members of the household, such as adolescent girls. This study assesses the association between social norms related to intrahousehold food allocation and young adolescent girls' thinness. The study involved 1,083 pairs of mothers/caregivers and young adolescent girls. Data were collected using a structured and pretested questionnaire. Multilevel mixed-effect logistic regression analysis was employed to examine associations using STATA/SE V.14 statistical software. In addition, a stratified analysis was done to investigate the effect of social norms on thinness in food-secure and food-insecure households. The overall prevalence of young adolescent girls' thinness was 15.70% (95% CI 13.52-17.86%). Young adolescent girls' thinness was associated with mothers'/caregivers' conformity to inequitable intrahousehold food allocation social norms in food-secure households [Adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.43, 95% CI: 1.14-1.80] but not in food-insecure households. Nearly 16% of adolescent girls were thin. Mothers/female caregivers conforming to inequitable intrahousehold food allocation social norms compromise the nutritional status of adolescent girls, particularly in food-secure households. The lack of statistically significant association in food-insecure households hints at the need to address inequality in food-secure households while addressing food shortage to improve the nutritional status of adolescents in low-income countries. We also recommend more studies in different sociocultural contexts to fully gather the evidence for adopting appropriate policies and practices.

Secretory carcinoma of breast: No more a juvenile tumor

: Secretory breast carcinoma (SBC) is one of the rare breast neoplasm with an incidence rate of &amp;#60; 0.15% of all breast cancers. Previously it was described as juvenile breast carcinoma. Young children and adolescent girls are most commonly affected. It is characterized by balanced translocation t (12;15), ETV6-NTRK3 gene fusion. : A 45 -year-old female presented with palpable lump in left breast. FNAC was suggestive of mucinous carcinoma. The diagnosis of SBC was made through histopathology and Immunohistochemistry: Recent study report suggested that the disease may also occur at a later age group in contrast to the conventional thought of onset at juvenile age group. Long-term survival is good for these cases. In radiological studies of breast imaging it mimics a benign tumour Immuno-histochemistry and cytogenetic are of the tumour are the ancillary investigations for confirmation of diagnosis. : Although rare diagnosis of SBC can be confirmed by histopathological studies and IHC. It is slowly progressive but has a good prognosis.

Manfaat Yoga Online bagi Remaja Putri dalam Meningkatkan Emosi Positif pada Pembelajaran Tatap Muka

Entering the odd semester of the 2021/2022 academic year, middle school (SMP) students begin offline school (PTM) after more than one year of distant learning (PJJ) due to covid19. This study aims to explore the understanding of the benefits of yoga among young adolescent girls returning to school after pandemic. The participants were three seventh graders, age 13 years old, asked to participate in the entire process of research including four (4) teen yoga sessions and semi-structured interviews, all conducted online. Qualitative data were obtained from interview transcripts. The results showed that participants perceived the benefits of yoga in increasing positive emotions, decreasing negative emotions, and improving sleep quality and their social relationship. Research limitations in the form of problems with internet connectivity and lack of research time are also discussed. Further research has been proposed to explore the benefits of yoga for the early teen.

Influence of engaging female caregivers in households with adolescent girls on adopting equitable family eating practices: a quasi-experimental study.

In patriarchal societies, female caregivers decide on food allocation within a family based on prevailing gender and age norms, which may lead to inequality that does not favor young adolescent girls. This study evaluated the effect of a community-based social norm intervention involving female caregivers in West Hararghe, Ethiopia. The intervention was engaging female caregivers along with other adult influential community members to deliberate and act on food allocation social norms in a process referred to as Social Analysis and Action (SAA). We used data from a large quasi-experimental study to compare family eating practices between those who participated in the Social Analyses and Action intervention and those who did not. The respondents were female caregivers in households with young adolescent girls (ages 13 and 14 years). The study's outcome was the practice of family eating together from the same dish. The difference in difference (DID) analysis with the mixed effect logistic regression model was used to examine the effect of the intervention. The results showed improved family eating practices in both groups, but the improvement was greater in the intervention group. The DID analysis showed an 11.99 percentage points greater improvement in the intervention arm than in the control arm. The mixed-effect regression produced an adjusted odds ratio of 2.08 (95% CI [1.06-4.09]) after controlling selected covariates, p-value 0.033. The involvement of influential adult community members significantly improves the family practice of eating together in households where adolescent girls are present in our study. The intervention has great potential to minimize household food allocation inequalities and thus improve the nutritional status of young adolescents. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention in different social norm contexts to formulate policy and guidelines for scale-up.

Socio-Ecological Associations of the Development of Sexual Behavior in Young Adolescent Girls in the Rural Southern Region of Malawi

Adolescent girls are more likely to experience early sexual debut than boys. However, the developmental context of their sexual behaviors is under-investigated. Using the socio-ecological model and Malawi Schooling and Adolescent Survey, we investigated factors crucial in determining the development of sexual behaviors of 416, 14-year-old girls in rural southern Malawi. We applied Bivariate Logistic Regression analysis to determine associations. Results showed that 353 (84.9%) experienced sexual intercourse, 60 (18.4%) had multiple sexual partners, and 32 (9.1%) used condoms or hormonal contraceptives. Participants’ educational background, desire for higher education, reproductive health knowledge, and being monitored by teachers in school were positively associated with healthy sexual behaviors. Having a boyfriend, lack of schooling support, and being invited to teachers’ homes were positively associated with risky sexual behaviors. Therefore, promoting adolescents’ formal education, sexual health literacy, and safety in schools should be essential components of research and biobehavioral interventions targeting young adolescents in Malawi.

Prevalence of polycystic ovary syndromes (PCOS) in adolescent girls and young women: A questionnaire-based study

One of the most prevalent metabolic disorders among women of reproductive age is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).Menstrual dysfunction and androgen excess symptoms, such as hirsutism and acne, are common in women with PCOS. Additionally, there may be an increased risk of other morbidities such as obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, infertility, cancer, and psychological disorders.This study is an attempt to summarise the prevalence of polycystic ovarian syndrome(PCOS) in adolescent girls and young women residing in the National Capital Region belonging to the age group of 11-30 years.The study was questionnaire-based and carried out for a duration of 6 months with 267 participants. The BMI of the participants was calculated using the formula: BMI= weight in kgs/ height in m2. PCOS was diagnosed using a questionnaire with Rotterdam’s criteria.The prevalence of PCOS was found to be 77.1%. The mean age group at which maximum number of participants were diagnosed with PCOS was 18-20 years. The BMI (BMI=kg/m2) of all the participants was calculated and 8% participants came under the obese category. 90% of the participants were aware of PCOS, 79.2% participants agreed PCOS is increasing rapidly while 19.3% participants had no idea about PCOS.The study concludes that respondents were less aware of the actual prevalence of PCOS and also associate the disorder’s manifestation with lifestyle variations. Even at this young age adolescent girls and women are at a high risk of metabolic syndrome because of the increased prevalence of sedentary lifestyles and lack of physical activity. A good diet, regular exercise, early diagnosis, and treatment modalities available are all critical components of raising awareness about PCOS and the risk factors associated with it.

Communication self-efficacy and contraceptive use at sexual debut among rural adolescent girls in Ethiopia

Introduction Girls with early sexual debuts are exposed to risky sexual behaviours such as unintended pregnancy and contracting sexually transmitted infections. Communication self-efficacy is vital for protecting girls from unwanted pregnancy by educating them about the use of contraceptives. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between communication self-efficacy and contraceptive use at sexual debut in a rural Ethiopian setting. Methods A total of 394 adolescent girls between the age of 13 - 17, who self-reported their sexual debut, were included in the analysis. Communication self-efficacy was measured using two items: adolescents who discussed contraceptives with their partners, and adolescents who discussed contraceptives with to other people. The association between contraceptive use at sexual debut and communication self-efficacy was examined using a multivariable logistic regression model that accounted for a complex sample survey design. Results The mean age of sexual debut was 14.5 years (95% CI 14.38, 14.69) and the proportion of contraceptive use at sexual debut was 17.37% (95% CI 12.75, 22.95). Contraceptive use at sexual debut was higher among girls who talked to their partner about contraceptives (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.94, 95% CI [0.98 - 3.8]) and those who discussed contraceptives with others (AOR = 2.45, 95% CI [1.56 - 5.55]. Conclusions Contraceptive use at sexual debut was low among young rural adolescent girls. Adolescent girls who had communication self-efficacy were likely to use contraceptives at sexual debut. Life skills interventions that improve communication and negotiation are recommended to enhance contraceptive use.

(027) Socio-Cultural Practices and Sexuality Education among Families in Rural Ghana

Abstract Introduction Sexuality education is considered key to the sexual well-being of young people as it empowers them to make informed choices and attain more productive livelihoods. Although it contributes to advancing the sustainable development goals on health and well-being, it remains a challenge among families in sub-Saharan Africa due to socio-cultural norms and misconceptions. Underlining notions are that discussing sexuality issues with young people makes them curious and predisposes them to engage in early sexual activities. Objectives In this study, we accessed the knowledge, attitudes, practices, and highlight the experiences of young adolescent boys and girls, examine the content of sexuality information parents give to their wards, and highlight the gender differences to sexuality education among these families (i.e., parents and their wards). Methods Based on the narrative of parents and their wards (i.e., young people aged 16 – 19 years), data for the study was gathered through the use of in-depth interviews and group interviews aided by a semi-structured interview guide. Participants were reached through the purposive and snowballing sampling techniques. Field data were tape-recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed thematically. Results Our results revealed that adherence to morally and socially appropriate sexual norms among young people (i.e., bodily hygiene, menstrual hygiene, and abstinence from sex) were the central focus of sexuality discussions among families. Socio-economic factors (such as educational level) influenced the sort of sexuality issues discussed among families. Thus, parents with higher educational attainment had liberal views regarding sexuality education and were more open to discuss diverse sexuality issues with their wards than parents with lower educational attainment with conservative views regarding sexuality education. The results also indicated that adolescents who discussed diverse sexuality topics with their parents had “conservative” sexual values than adolescents who discussed diverse sexuality topics with their friends who in-turn had “liberal” sexual values. Conclusions Socio-cultural norms, conservative religious values, and gender disparities among parents and their wards have far-reaching implications on their attitude and behaviour towards sexuality education. Most adolescents preferred other alternative sources (such as their peers and social media) for sexuality information. This invariably influences their sexual attitudes and behaviours. Although these norms and dispositions influence adolescent’s sexual agency, empowering families (i.e., parents and young people) with adequate sexuality knowledge can help correct the misconceptions currently shaping the discourse on sexuality education. Creating supportive and enabling environments is also a key step to the realization of the sexual health needs of young people. Disclosure Yes - International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health. Industry funding only - investigator initiated and executed study – No.

Menstrual hygiene management and associated factors among adolescent school girls in gursum district, Eastern Ethiopia: Institution-based a cross-sectional study

BackgroundIn 2017 WHO reported that due to a lack of menstrual hygiene management (MHM) facilities, high costs, and ignorance, 2.3 billion girls and women worldwide do not manage their menstruation properly. This leads to the use of other options, such as old clothes or other unhygienic materials, which may make them a risk group for infections and other health consequences. Despite the significant role of appropriate menstrual hygiene practices, it is still a missed opportunity to address the hygienic practice of menstruation among girls in many low-and middle-income countries, including Ethiopia.ObjectivePrimarily, this study was aimed at investigating menstrual hygiene management (MHM) practice and determinant factors among young adolescent school girls in eastern Ethiopia, Gursum District 2021.MethodAn institutional-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among adolescent school girls in Gursum, Eastern Ethiopia, in 2021. 577 girls participated in this study and a multi-stage sampling procedure was employed so as to select a fair and representative sample of female students who experienced menarche. After controlling for confounding variables, binary logistic regression was fitted to identify factors affecting MHM among adolescent girls.ResultThis study revealed that 58.41% of adolescent school girls practice unsafe MHM practices. It was also reported that 193(33.45%) of the girls use reusable sanitary pads. Of those, 182(31.5%) of them keep the pads in hidden places as it is a shame to be seen Seventy-six (13.17%) of the respondents had experienced vaginal infections during menarche. Having knowledge about menstruation prior to experiencing menstruation [AOR 0.28 CI: (0.1476132, 0.5613692)], being over 15 years old [AOR 1.56, CI: (1.020577, 2.387646)], living in rural areas [AOR 1.23 CI: (1.1563013, 1.3562546)], and having infection around their vagina during menarche [AOR 4.6 CI: (2.633405, 8. 273,883)] were significant determinants of MHM practice.ConclusionThe majority of the adolescent girls who participated in this study practice unsafe MHM practices. Results suggest that school health education focusing on improving the hygienic practices of adolescent girls during menstruation should be provided.