Project – Knowledge and practice of menstrual hygiene among adolescents in Secondary School

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study

Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is an essential part of adolescent health, with significant implications for school attendance, physical well-being, and psychosocial development. However, adolescents in many parts of Nigeria, particularly those in rural and semi-urban areas like Idogbo, often face challenges related to menstrual hygiene. These challenges include insufficient knowledge about menstruation, inadequate access to sanitary products, and poor sanitary facilities in schools. Research on menstrual hygiene practices among adolescents in Nigeria highlights these concerns, although limited data exists specifically on the situation in Idogbo Secondary School. This review aims to explore the knowledge and practices of menstrual hygiene among adolescents in Nigerian schools, focusing on what may apply to the context of Idogbo Secondary School.

Knowledge about menstruation among adolescents in Nigeria varies widely, and many young girls do not receive adequate information prior to their first menstruation. A study conducted by Ugochi et al. (2018) in Enugu revealed that 62% of adolescents had insufficient knowledge about menstruation before their first experience. Misconceptions and cultural taboos surrounding menstruation are also prevalent in rural and semi-urban areas, including communities like Idogbo. In many cases, menstruation is perceived as a taboo subject, leading to limited communication within families and schools. This gap in knowledge can result in anxiety and confusion for young girls during their first menstrual cycle (Dube et al., 2020). Consequently, it is crucial for schools like Idogbo Secondary School to integrate menstruation education into their health curricula.

Many adolescents in Nigeria struggle with maintaining proper menstrual hygiene due to limited access to sanitary products and facilities. In a study by Olumide et al. (2014), 58% of adolescents in urban Nigeria reported using cloth as an alternative to sanitary pads, with this percentage being even higher in rural areas. The use of cloth or other unsanitary materials can result in infections and other health issues. In Idogbo, where economic constraints may limit access to menstrual hygiene products, students may resort to similar practices, impacting their health. Additionally, poor sanitation facilities in schools further exacerbate the challenges of menstrual hygiene management, as girls are often unable to change or dispose of their materials in a safe and private manner (Lawan et al., 2010).

Menstrual hygiene has a direct impact on school attendance. Studies have shown that menstrual-related absenteeism is common among adolescent girls in Nigeria. A study conducted in Lagos State found that 25% of girls missed school during their menstrual periods due to a lack of access to menstrual products and appropriate facilities (Ugochi et al., 2018). This absenteeism not only affects their academic performance but also reinforces gender inequality in education. In Idogbo, where infrastructure in schools may be limited, menstrual-related absenteeism may be a significant concern, further exacerbating gender disparities in education. Addressing menstrual hygiene issues through improved facilities and education could mitigate this problem.

The role of parents and teachers in providing accurate information and support for menstrual hygiene cannot be overstated. In a study by Abiola et al. (2021), it was found that the primary source of information on menstruation for many girls was their mothers, with teachers playing a secondary role. However, due to cultural taboos and lack of structured education on the topic, many girls receive incomplete or inaccurate information. In some cases, teachers and parents may shy away from discussing menstruation openly, leaving adolescents with few resources to manage their menstruation effectively. In schools like Idogbo Secondary School, introducing formal menstrual hygiene education programs could help fill this gap, providing students with the knowledge and confidence they need to manage menstruation safely and hygienically.

To improve menstrual hygiene practices among adolescents in Idogbo Secondary School and similar communities, several interventions are necessary. These include providing education on menstruation as part of the school curriculum, distributing sanitary products, and improving sanitation facilities in schools. A study by Dube et al. (2020) in Zimbabwe found that distributing sanitary pads and providing privacy for changing during menstruation significantly reduced absenteeism and improved overall menstrual hygiene practices. In Idogbo, local authorities and school management could collaborate with health organizations to implement such programs. Furthermore, engaging parents and teachers in these initiatives would enhance their effectiveness and sustainability. By addressing these challenges, adolescent girls in Idogbo will be better equipped to manage menstruation hygienically, leading to better health outcomes and increased school attendance.

• Statement of the Problem

Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of adolescent health, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria. In Idogbo, a semi-urban area in Edo State, Nigeria, adolescent girls face significant challenges in managing menstrual hygiene effectively. Despite the importance of proper menstrual hygiene for preventing health issues and ensuring full participation in education, many girls in Idogbo Secondary School lack adequate knowledge about menstruation and have limited access to the necessary resources, such as sanitary products and clean facilities, to manage their menstrual periods with dignity. This lack of proper MHM can result in health problems, missed school days, and feelings of embarrassment or social exclusion. The problem is compounded by a general lack of awareness and cultural taboos surrounding menstruation in rural and semi-urban communities, further hindering effective menstrual health education.

Inadequate knowledge about menstruation is one of the key issues faced by adolescent girls in Idogbo. Many girls are not adequately informed about the biological process of menstruation before they begin menstruating, leading to confusion and fear. In some cases, these girls receive their first information from peers, rather than from trusted adults such as parents or teachers, which can perpetuate myths and misconceptions. Furthermore, studies have shown that menstruation-related education is often insufficient or absent in school curricula, especially in rural or semi-urban areas. As a result, girls in Idogbo Secondary School may struggle to manage menstruation hygienically, which can lead to discomfort, health complications, and poor academic performance due to school absenteeism.

Another significant issue is the lack of access to proper menstrual hygiene products and facilities. In many parts of Nigeria, including Idogbo, girls face financial constraints that make it difficult to afford sanitary pads or other hygiene products. As a result, many adolescent girls resort to using cloth, tissue, or other makeshift materials, which can lead to infections and other health issues. In addition, the sanitation facilities in schools like Idogbo Secondary School may be inadequate, with limited privacy for changing menstrual materials, no clean water supply, and poor waste disposal systems. This lack of proper facilities not only affects girls’ ability to manage their menstrual hygiene effectively but also contributes to menstrual-related absenteeism, as girls may avoid going to school during their menstrual periods due to embarrassment or the inability to change in private.

The lack of menstrual hygiene management in Idogbo Secondary School also contributes to a broader social and educational issue: school absenteeism. Adolescent girls in Nigeria often miss school during their menstrual periods due to the lack of resources and facilities to manage menstruation comfortably. According to studies, a significant percentage of girls miss school during menstruation, which negatively impacts their academic performance and educational outcomes. The inability to attend school regularly because of menstruation-related issues can contribute to a gender gap in education, where girls are less likely to complete their education compared to boys. In Idogbo, the absence of adequate menstrual hygiene management resources may result in a high rate of school absenteeism among female students, further exacerbating gender inequality in education.

Cultural taboos and stigma surrounding menstruation are also significant barriers to addressing menstrual hygiene issues in Idogbo. In many Nigerian communities, menstruation is considered a taboo subject, and girls may feel uncomfortable or ashamed to discuss it openly with family members, teachers, or peers. This stigma often leads to a lack of support and guidance for girls, who may suffer in silence when dealing with menstrual health issues. The lack of open dialogue and education about menstruation reinforces misconceptions and discourages girls from seeking help when needed. In schools like Idogbo Secondary School, this silence around menstruation can prevent the implementation of effective menstrual health education programs, leaving girls to navigate menstrual hygiene challenges on their own.

The overarching problem of inadequate menstrual hygiene management in Idogbo Secondary School reflects broader gaps in reproductive health education, access to hygiene resources, and sanitation infrastructure in rural and semi-urban areas of Nigeria. Addressing this issue is crucial for improving the health, education, and well-being of adolescent girls in Idogbo. Without targeted interventions, such as comprehensive education on menstruation, improved access to menstrual products, and better sanitation facilities in schools, the challenges faced by girls in managing menstrual hygiene will persist, with long-term consequences for their health and educational opportunities.

1.3.  Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine knowledge and practice of menstrual hygiene among adolescents in Idogbo Secondary School. The specific objectives are:

1. To assess the level of knowledge about menstrual hygiene among adolescent students in Idogbo Secondary School.
2. To determine the practices related to menstrual hygiene among adolescent students in the school.
3. To identify any misconceptions or gaps in knowledge regarding menstrual hygiene among the students.
4. To explore the factors influencing the practice of menstrual hygiene among adolescent students in the school.

1.4. Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

1. What is the level of knowledge about menstrual hygiene among adolescent students in Idogbo Secondary School?
2. What are the practices related to menstrual hygiene among adolescent students in the school?
3. Are there any misconceptions or gaps in knowledge regarding menstrual hygiene among the students?
4. What are the factors influencing the practice of menstrual hygiene among adolescent students in the school?

1.5. Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:

Ho: Level of knowledge will not affect menstrual hygiene among adolescent students in Idogbo Secondary School

H1: Level of knowledge will affect menstrual hygiene among adolescent students in Idogbo Secondary School

1.6. Significance of the Study

The primary significance of this study lies in its potential to improve the health and well-being of adolescent girls in Idogbo Secondary School. Proper menstrual hygiene practices are essential for preventing infections and other health complications associated with menstruation. When adolescents lack access to the right knowledge, resources, or facilities, they are at higher risk for urinary tract infections (UTIs), reproductive tract infections (RTIs), and other menstrual-related health issues. By exploring the current knowledge and practices regarding menstrual hygiene, this study can identify gaps in adolescent girls’ understanding of menstruation and inform targeted interventions that promote better health practices. These improvements in menstrual health can lead to enhanced overall well-being, reducing the prevalence of menstrual health issues among schoolgirls in Idogbo.

Another significant contribution of this study is its potential to reduce school absenteeism due to menstruation-related issues. Studies have shown that adolescent girls often miss school during their menstrual periods due to the lack of menstrual products, inadequate sanitation facilities, and the embarrassment associated with menstruation. By understanding the specific challenges faced by the students of Idogbo Secondary School, this study can inform interventions such as the provision of sanitary pads, the improvement of school sanitation facilities, and the introduction of menstrual hygiene management education. Such interventions would help ensure that adolescent girls are better prepared to manage menstruation at school, leading to fewer missed school days and greater academic participation.

This study also has the potential to empower adolescent girls in Idogbo by providing them with the knowledge and skills needed to manage menstruation hygienically. Menstrual hygiene education is crucial in dispelling myths, reducing stigma, and empowering girls to take control of their menstrual health. By identifying the current level of knowledge among girls at Idogbo Secondary School, the study can inform the development of culturally appropriate and age-appropriate education programs that promote menstrual health literacy. This empowerment not only supports better hygiene practices but also boosts the confidence of adolescent girls, enabling them to manage their menstruation with dignity and self-assurance.

The findings of this study are significant in promoting gender equality in education, as menstrual hygiene is a key barrier to girls’ full participation in school. Research has shown that menstruation-related absenteeism disproportionately affects girls, contributing to the gender gap in education. By addressing menstrual hygiene issues in Idogbo Secondary School, this study can contribute to reducing gender disparities in education. Girls who are able to attend school consistently and manage their menstruation effectively are more likely to perform well academically and continue their education without interruption. Consequently, improving menstrual hygiene practices can foster an environment where girls can thrive educationally, ultimately supporting gender equality and empowering girls to pursue their educational and career goals.

This study holds significant potential for informing policies and interventions at the local, state, and national levels. By identifying the specific needs and challenges faced by adolescent girls in Idogbo Secondary School regarding menstrual hygiene, the study can serve as a basis for designing targeted programs to address these gaps. For example, the study’s findings could guide the development of school policies that incorporate menstrual hygiene management into the curriculum, ensure the provision of menstrual products, and improve sanitation facilities. Additionally, it could encourage policymakers to allocate resources to schools in rural and semi-urban areas like Idogbo, where menstrual hygiene issues are often overlooked. The insights gained from this study could be used to advocate for better healthcare infrastructure and support for adolescent girls nationwide.

Finally, this study contributes to the global discourse on menstrual hygiene, particularly in low-resource settings. While much research has been conducted in urban areas, less attention has been given to semi-urban and rural areas like Idogbo. By focusing on the specific challenges faced by girls in Idogbo Secondary School, this study adds to the body of knowledge on menstrual hygiene management in resource-constrained environments. The findings can provide insights that are valuable to researchers, international organizations, and NGOs working to improve menstrual hygiene management across sub-Saharan Africa. Furthermore, the results may influence global policies and strategies aimed at improving access to menstrual products, education, and sanitary facilities for adolescent girls in marginalized communities worldwide.

In summary, the significance of this study lies in its potential to improve the health, educational outcomes, and overall quality of life for adolescent girls in Idogbo. By identifying knowledge gaps, exploring menstrual hygiene practices, and proposing interventions, this study can contribute to a more supportive and empowering environment for girls in Idogbo Secondary School, ultimately supporting their health and educational success.

1.7. Scope of the Study

The study examines the knowledge and practice of menstrual hygiene among adolescents in Idogbo Secondary School, Ikpoba Okha, Edo State. The study is limited to adolescents in Idogbo Secondary School, Ikpoba Okha, Edo State

1.8. Operational Definition of Terms

1. Knowledge: Knowledge refers to the information, understanding, and awareness that an individual acquires through experience, education, or learning. It encompasses facts, concepts, skills, and principles that can be applied to solve problems or understand situations. In the context of this study, knowledge refers to the awareness and understanding that adolescents have about menstruation, its biological processes, and the importance of maintaining proper menstrual hygiene.
2. Practice: Practice refers to the habitual or customary actions, behaviors, or activities that an individual engages in. It involves the application or use of knowledge and skills in real-life situations. In the context of menstrual hygiene, practice refers to the actions or behaviors that adolescents perform during their menstrual periods, such as the use of sanitary products, methods of disposal, and how they manage their hygiene during menstruation.
3. Menstrual Hygiene: Menstrual hygiene refers to the practices and measures taken by individuals to manage menstrual blood in a safe and hygienic manner. This includes the use of sanitary products (such as sanitary pads, tampons, menstrual cups), proper disposal of used materials, maintaining cleanliness during menstruation, and ensuring access to clean water and sanitation facilities. Proper menstrual hygiene is essential to prevent infections and promote overall health during the menstrual period.
4. Adolescents: Adolescents are individuals who are in the transitional stage of development between childhood and adulthood. This stage typically occurs between the ages of 10 and 19, although the exact age range can vary slightly depending on different definitions. Adolescence is marked by physical, emotional, and psychological changes, including the onset of puberty and sexual maturity. In the context of this study, adolescents refer to young girls within this age range who are experiencing menstruation for the first time or are in the process of learning to manage it.
5. Secondary School: Secondary school refers to the level of education that follows primary or elementary school and precedes higher education or tertiary education. In many countries, secondary school typically includes students from the ages of 12 to 18. It is usually divided into lower secondary (often called junior secondary) and upper secondary (also known as senior secondary) levels. In the context of this study, Idogbo Secondary School refers to the institution where adolescent girls are receiving their education, and this school is where the research on menstrual hygiene practices and knowledge will be focused.

Project – Knowledge and practice of menstrual hygiene among adolescents in Secondary School