Menstrual Hygiene Management Practices and Associated Factors Among Female Adolescents in Amai Secondary School, Delta State, Nigeria
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Abstract
Background: Menstrual hygiene is essential for adolescent girls’ health, wellbeing, and involvement in school. Sociodemographic factors, such as age, class, and parental occupation, may influence hygiene practices. This study assessed menstrual hygiene practices and the influence of sociodemographic variables on menstrual hygiene practices among female adolescents.
Methods: A school- based cross-sectional study involved 380 girls aged 10-19 years, selected through simple random sampling. Data on sociodemographic characteristics were collected alongside hygiene practices; handwashing, genital cleansing, absorbent use and disposal, bathing, and changing sanitary materials. Descriptive statistics summarized participant’s sociodemographic, menstrual hygiene practices, and logistic regression evaluated predictors of good menstrual hygiene.
Results: The mean age was 14.7 ± 2.5 years, with nearly equal proportions aged 10-14 (46.1%) and 15-19 (53.9%). JSS3 students had the highest percentage (22.9%) and JSS1 the lowest (9.7%). Most parents of the respondents were farmers (53.4%) or business owners (31.8%). Sanitary pads were the most common absorbent (32.6%), though some used cotton (19.5%) or foolscap sheets (6.8%). Frequent bathing, genital cleansing, and pad changing were reported by the majority, and 65% practiced good menstrual hygiene. Age, class, and parental occupation were not found to influence good hygiene practices.
Conclusion: Despite generally good hygiene practices, gaps in product access and school facilities remain. Interventions providing education, affordable products, and supportive environments are recommended.
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