Factors influencing menstrual hygiene management practices among adolescent girls in Yumbe District

Abstract

Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) remains a critical, yet frequently under-addressed, public health and educational issue, especially in low-resource settings like Yumbe District, Uganda. Menstruation is a natural and recurring part of life for nearly half of the global population, yet many adolescent girls continue to face barriers that prevent effective management of menstrual hygiene, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) (Amaral & Pradhan, 2022). Studies estimate that over 500 million women and girls globally lack access to adequate MHM facilities, significantly impacting their physical health, mental well-being, and ability to participate in educational activities (Juma et al., 2023). In Sub-Saharan Africa, where poverty levels, lack of infrastructure, and social stigmatization are pervasive, the situation is particularly acute, with significant ramifications for health and development (Kamau et al., 2023).