Assessment of menstrual hygiene management status among girls in primary schools in Mityana Municipal Council

Abstract

Background Menstrual Hygiene Management is an under researched issue in East Africa. In low income settings, poor Menstrual Hygiene Management can cause absenteeism from school, infections and school dropouts. Menstrual Hygiene Management is affected by cultural beliefs, practices and norms, lack of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene facilities at school and proper materials to manage menstrual flow. This study aims to explore the Menstrual Hygiene Management status of girls in primary schools in Mityana Municipal Council in order to guide effective interventions to prevent menstrual related consequences. Methodology This study was a cross sectional, quantitative data was collected using 132 Self-administered questionnaires that were given to 132 school girls in six schools in the Mityana Municipal Council. Questions included topics on menstrual materials used, disposal of menstrual waste, and challenges of menstruation to girls. Results Majority of girls 93.2% (123/132) menstruated for the first time between 11 and 13 years inclusive, the mean age was 11.98; 80.0% (106/132) of girls were affected by menstruation while at school; 51.1% (23/45) of girls who did not attend school due to menstruation missed 1-3 days of class time, 65.2% (86/132) of girls used disposable sanitary pads to manage their menstrual blood and they disposed of the menstrual waste materials in latrine 79.6%. Most of the girls 59% (78/132) were satisfied with menstrual facilities at school. However, almost all girls 94% (124/132) needed menstrual facilities to be improved. Conclusion A few primary schools really help these girls with all the necessary requirements to meet the good menstrual hygiene management status.