Title : Knowledge and practices of in-school adolescent girls regarding menstrual hygiene management in Barapwo parish, lira district, Uganda
Abstract:
Background: Menstruation is a normal physiologic process; however, in my many parts of the world, it is linked with several misconceptions, negative attitudes, and punitive practices, all of which result in adverse health outcomes. Many adolescent girls in low-income and middle-income countries such as Uganda lack adequate knowledge, appropriate facilities and support both in schools to manage menstruation which negatively impacts on the lives of women and girls such as increased risk of reproductive tract infections. However, menstrual hygiene is gaining growing attention as a crucial aspect to achieving improved child health, quality education and gender equality.
Objectives: To determine the knowledge of in-school adolescent girls regarding menstrual hygiene (MH) and the practices employed by the adolescent girls in menstrual hygiene management (MHM).
Methods: A descriptive, cross- sectional study was conducted among 185 adolescent girls in 3 randomly selected governments schools situated in Barapwo parish, Lira district, Uganda. Data was collected using a self-administered pre-tested questionnaire that was then entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20 software
Results: Findings revealed that 97 (52.4%) of respondents had low level of knowledge on menstrual hygiene and 83(44.9%) had unsatisfactory practices, majority 157(84.9%) knew about menstruation before menarche, common sources of information were mothers and teachers. Respondents used more than one menstrual type of absorbent during menstruation commonly sanitary pads and reusable pads, 125(67.5%) disposed used pads in pit latrines, 100(54.1%) bathed at least 2times a day and majority 156(%) do not have separate underwear for use during menstruation.
Conclusion: It can be said that among the adolescent school girls, the knowledge on
MH is low and the practices are often not optimal for proper hygiene. M.H therefore needs to be addressed at all levels. Education on awareness of good MHM practices, access to hygienic absorbents and disposal of MHM items need to be addressed. Strengthening of MHM programs in Uganda is needed.
Audience Take Away:
- This presentation will provide an overview on the challenges and potential outcomes emerging from inadequate dissemination of information and knowledge about adolescent health issues (a key population group) and the key learnings to consider for health workers, leaders and policy makers as a part of future public health responses.
- Poor menstrual hygiene Practices influence the dignity, health, and well-being of schoolgirls in low- and middle-income countries, requiring improved, well organized and effective water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions across these countries.
- This study design can also be applied to other quantitative studies to find out other aspects of adolescent sexual health, this study report can also be included in a Quasi-experimental research for new interventions in health.
