Menstrual hygiene practices and knowledge among teenage schoolgirls in Umunna, Imo State, Southeast Nigeria: implications for legislators, parents, and medical professionals

Abstract

Background: Menstrual hygiene management is critical in a woman's life. For optimal attendance and participation
in school activities and future reproductive and sexual health, quality menstrual hygiene practice is crucial. The
objective of this study was designed to assess the knowledge, practice, and challenges of menstrual hygiene
management among the adolescents.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on community secondary school girls from 1st May to 30th June
2016. Data was collected with a semi-structured pre-tested questionnaire and analyzed with statistical software as
appropriate.
Results: A total of 416 (97.4%) of the respondents were analyzed. Their mean chronological age and age at
menarche were 15±2.1 years and 12.9±0.7 years, respectively. Most (77.9%) of the respondents had premenarchal
menstrual hygiene knowledge, and mothers (68.8%) were the main source of information. Sanitary pad (56.3%)
and cloth (31.2%) were the most commonly used absorbents. Sanitary pad use was higher in respondents whose
mothers had higher levels of education (RR=6.3, p<0.001). Most of the respondents changed absorbent twice or
less daily (77.4%), bathed at least twice (77.4%), washed the vulvoperineal region with soap and water (50.2%),
and wiped the perineum front to back (72.8%). Burning (51.9%) and refuse dump (26.0%) were the main disposal
methods, and 48.1% washed hands before and after changing menstrual absorbent materials. The main menstrual
disturbances were abdominal pain (37.7%) and malaise (18.5%), and the main intervention was medication from a
patent medicine store (47.2%). Menstruation-related school absenteeism was 30.8%.
Conclusions: There was poor premenarchal menstrual awareness and inappropriate menstrual hygiene practices
among adolescent schoolgirls.