Work

The impact of pre-menarcheal training on menstrual practices and hygiene of Nigerian school girls

Year: 2010

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The menstrual practices of adolescents derive largely from health issues associated with their adjustment to reproductive life. The objective of the study was to assess the effect of pre-menarcheal training on the menstrual and hygiene practices of Nigerian school girls. METHOD: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey of randomly selected post-menarcheal school girls using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire was done. RESULTS: The mean age of the school girls was 14.9 ± 1.7 years. Pre-menarcheal training was given to 273 (55.2%) of them. Mothers (74.7%) were the more common source of information. Inappropriate experience of menarche, adverse effect of menstruation on schooling and social life and the use of unhygienic menstrual absorbents were common in girls who had no pre-menarcheal training than those who did. CONCLUSION: Lack of timely information results in inappropriate menstrual experiences and poor menstrual hygiene practices. Ways to promote menstrual education and hygiene practices are suggested.

Source: Pan African Medical Journal

DOI: 10.4314/pamj.v2i1.51708

Authors: UU Aniebue, PN Aniebue, TO Nwankwo

Institution: University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Menstrual Health and Disorders

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Gender equality, Quality education

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $180