Menstrual knowledge, sociocultural restrictions, and barriers to menstrual hygiene management in Ghana: Evidence from a multi-method survey among adolescent schoolgirls and schoolboys

Mohammed, Shamsudeen; Larsen-Reindorf, Roderick

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0241106

Cited by 77 publications

(102 citation statements)

References 18 publications

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“…Lack of sanitary pads has also been widely reported to be a major contributory factor to school absenteeism among girls in their menstrual period [7,10,14,15]. Other documented factors such as cultural restrictions, age of girls and mother's education are said to play an influence on menstruation-related school absenteeism [7,16]. Selfreported factors such as menstrual pain, fear of staining clothing and fear of being teased at school have also been reported to be associated with school absenteeism [8,9,17].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prevalence and factors associated with menstruation-related school absenteeism among adolescent girls in rural northern Ghana

et al. 2021

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Background Although menstruation is a normal physiological process that begins in girls during adolescence, it has the potential to negatively impact on the self-esteem and education of girls particularly those from low- and middle-income countries. We investigated the prevalence and factors associated with menstruation-related school absenteeism among adolescent girls in the Talensi district of rural northern Ghana. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 705 adolescent girls aged 12–19 years who had attained menarche. The sample size was estimated using Epi Info version 6 at 95% confidence interval and a 5% margin of error. A two-stage sampling technique was employed to recruit participants. We conducted univariate and multivariate logistic regression models to determine factors associated with menstruation-related school absenteeism which was defined as “being absent from school due to menstruation-related issues during the last menstruation.” Results The prevalence of menstruation-related school absenteeism was 27.5%. School absenteeism ranged from one to seven days during the menstrual period. Older adolescent girls, (aOR = 2.38, 95% CI 1.29–4.40), use of cloth as a sanitary material at the last menstruation, (aOR = 3.21, 95% CI 2.22–4.63), and cultural restriction, (aOR = 2.54, 95% CI 1.76–3.67) were associated with higher odds of menstruation-related school absenteeism. Meanwhile, girls from moderate income parent(s), [aOR = 0.57 95% CI 0.34–0.94] had lower odds of menstruation-related school absenteeism. Mother’s education and privacy in school were only significant at the univariate level. Conclusions The prevalence of menstruation-related school absenteeism highlights the need for interventions aimed at improving the availability of sanitary pads for girls, eliminating cultural restrictions associated with menstruation, and also improving parent(s) income level.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prevalence and factors associated with menstruation-related school absenteeism among adolescent girls in rural northern Ghana

et al. 2021

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“…The need for this secrecy can perhaps also be linked to cultural perceptions and influences. Mohamed and Larsen-Reindorf (2020) reports that in a study conducted in Ghana it was found that men and boys play an influential role in supporting girls in their menstrual hygiene management and menstruation experience. It is deemed important that an understanding of menstruation and the challenges associated with it is made known to adolescent boys.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Adolescents' experiences of menarche and menstruation in disadvantaged schools in South Africa: a qualitative exploration

Fennie

Moletsane

Padmanabhanunni

2021

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PurposeThis study explores how menstruation is perceived, experienced and navigated by school-going adolescent girls living in low-to-middle income settings in South Africa. Existing research from developing countries suggest that the onset of menstruation has implications for school attendance and academic performance. There is evidence that menstrual cycle–related symptoms (primarily physical) lead to difficulties in, or interference with, and disengagement from school, social relations, and physical activities (van Iersel et al., 2016; Steiner et al., 2011; Kiesner and Pastore, 2010; Taras, 2005). The onset of menstruation can be shame-inducing and has been associated with anxiety and confusion. Few studies have been conducted on menstruation in countries with a history of sectarian violence and characterised by substantial socio-economic disparities and high levels of gender-based violence. Understanding the experiences of girls in these contexts is important in generating contextually-grounded knowledge and appropriate interventions.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design was used to collect data from 48 adolescent girls aged 13–16 year-old. A total of six focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire among a purposive sampling method. Data collected were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Written parental consent was obtained for participants under 18 years old.FindingsThe findings illustrated complex psychological experiences in response to menarche and menstruation. Experiences of shame in relation to menstruation were aggravated by unsupportive responses from school teachers. Challenges such as scarcity of sanitary products were experienced as creating a barrier for girls' school attendance.Research limitations/implicationsExisting research from developing countries suggests that the onset of menstruation has implications for school attendance and academic performance. The research data includes the views of adolescent learners and their negative reactions and positive experiences towards menstruation within the school environment.Practical implicationsGiven the comparative paucity of research emerging from developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa, this paper addresses an important gap in the literature by providing contextually-nuanced information about the menstrual experiences of adolescent girls. The study can further provide information for efforts made by the Department of Education and Department of Health regarding the impact of menstruation on adolescent girls' school attendance.Social implicationsThis study provides important insights regarding the experiences of South African school girls in relation to menstruation. Although dominant feelings of shame, confusion and disgust may surround menstruation, the study also highlighted potential positive experiences associated with menstruation. Teachers and school administrators need to be oriented towards the needs of adolescent girls if issues regarding poor school attendance are to be addressed.Originality/valueTo reduce absenteeism in schools and ensure learners are provided with improved allocation of sanitary products in schools, there is a need for the advocacy regarding sexuality education and resources to promote the psychological health of adolescent girls.

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“…Besides, (14,15,16) found that, in Ghana, not only did the family's socio-economic status played a major role in access to sanitary pads for girls, but also impacted on their level of knowledge on menstrual health. The aforementioned studies also indicated that inappropriate school WASH facilities, lack of regular supply of water, and socio-cultural barriers, such as, myths about menstruation, and lack of open discussions on menstrual issues, created menstrual barriers for girls.…”

Section: Overview Of Menstrual Health Management Among Schoolgirlsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Menstrual Hygiene Management Challenges Among In-School Deaf Adolescents in Ghana

Mprah¹,

Sackey²,

Duorinaah³

2021

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Background: Whiles challenges associated with menstrual hygiene management among adolescents are universal, some sub-populations, such as deaf girls, have peculiar challenges that requires special attention. Although there have been numerous studies on menstrual hygiene management among adolescents in the school setting in Ghana, the experiences of students with disabilities, particularly, deaf girls have not attracted adequate scholarly attention.Objective: The objective of the study was to generate new empirical evidence on menstrual hygiene management challenges of deaf adolescent girls in the special schools for the deaf in Ghana. The overall objective was to obtain data that could be used to improve menstrual hygiene practices among the target population, and, to bridge the gap in the existing literature regarding menstrual hygiene management experiences of in-school adolescent deaf girls in Ghana.Method: This study adopted a mixed method approach to investigate the menstrual hygiene management challenges of in-school deaf adolescent girls in Ghana. A total of 152 participants comprising 118 schoolgirls, 15 boys, seven school heads, six teachers, and six school housemothers from seven special schools were involved in the study.Results: The findings identified five challenges facing the girls. These are inadequate access to sanitary pads, inappropriate school WASH facilities, health related problems, negative attitude of male colleagues, and academic related challenges.Conclusion: The findings indicate that the quality of WASH facilities in the schools require improvement. We recommend that access to sanitary kits for underprivileged girls should be made a priority issue, boys and male teachers should be included in all menstrual hygiene management awareness programs, whiles the capacity of school housemothers on menstrual hygiene management should be enhanced. The study made important contributions to the existing literature on disability and menstrual health in Africa.

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Menstrual knowledge, sociocultural restrictions, and barriers to menstrual hygiene management in Ghana: Evidence from a multi-method survey among adolescent schoolgirls and schoolboys

Cited by 77 publications

References 18 publications

Prevalence and factors associated with menstruation-related school absenteeism among adolescent girls in rural northern Ghana

Prevalence and factors associated with menstruation-related school absenteeism among adolescent girls in rural northern Ghana

Adolescents' experiences of menarche and menstruation in disadvantaged schools in South Africa: a qualitative exploration

Menstrual Hygiene Management Challenges Among In-School Deaf Adolescents in Ghana

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