Knowledge, attitude and practices on menstrual hygiene among rural school girls years in Bukonde Sub County, Mbale district

Abstract

Background: Isolation of the menstruating girls and restrictions being imposed on them in the family, have reinforced a negative attitude towards this phenomenon. Good hygienic practices such as the use of sanitary pads and adequate washing of the genital area are essential during menstruation. Menstrual hygiene and management will directly contribute to the Millennium Development Goal (MDG)-2 on universal education and MDG -3 on gender equality and women empowerment. Aim: This study assessed knowledge, attitude and practices on menstrual hygiene among rural school girls (10-19) years in Bukonde Sub County, Mbale district. Materials and Methodology: The study adopted a cross-sectional approach, all the available 143 school girls in the sub-county participated in the study. Semi structured questionnaires were used to collect data on knowledge, attitude and practices on menstrual hygiene management. Results: Overall 74/143(58.2%) of the girls were not knowledgeable about menstrual hygiene. The mentioned major source of information about menstruation was their peers. Majority of the girls 75/143(52.4 %) had positive attitude towards menstrual hygiene. Out of 143 respondents, 109(76.2) believed that menstruation was not a burden to women. More than half of the respondents 78/143(54.55%) had good menstrual hygiene practices. Good absorbent materials were used by 73/143 (51%) of the girls. Majority of the girls 86/143 (60.1%) changed pads three or more times in a day. Conclusion: The girls were not knowledgeable about menstrual hygiene, though they had positive attitude towards menstrual hygiene and had good menstrual hygiene practices. Efforts should be put in place to sensitize girls in order to improve their knowledge and strengthen the good menstrual hygiene practices.