The relationship between menstrual hygiene management, practices, and school absenteeism among adolescent girls in Johannesburg, South Africa

Background. Factors associated with menstrual hygiene management (MHM) and practices affect school absenteeism, with up to 7 million girls missing 25% of their given school year each month in South Africa (SA). Objective. To identify the most significant factors associated with MHM and practices affecting school absenteeism among adolescents in Johannesburg, SA. Methods. A secondary data analyses of a cross sectional study among 489 adolescent girls from 30 schools in Johannesburg, SA was conducted. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Logistical regression analysis was conducted for all variables affecting school absenteeism using STATA version 14. Results. Female adolescents who had pre-menarcheal training were more likely to attend school (odds ratio (OR) 1.96; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04 - 3.73; p= 0.038). Those who disposed of their absorbent materials by burning, throwing them by the roadside or on farmland were almost 2× more likely to be absent from school (OR 2.07; 95% CI 1.05 - 4.08; p= 0.038). Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) was associated with higher likelihood of being absent from school (OR 2.6; 95% CI 1.29 - 5.29; p=0.008). Conclusion. This present study reveals that MHM and practices related to school absenteeism extend beyond the availability of sanitary materials. These findings can be used to create dialogue between various stakeholders about best practices for reducing school absenteeism related to MHM

Menstrual hygiene management in public high schools in Ghana

in the ten (10) regions of Ghana. The findings showed that most girls in Public Senior High Schools in Ghana had prior knowledge about menstruation from their mothers and sisters prior to menarche. It was revealed that majority of the girls mentioned hormones as the cause of menstruation, whilst others mentioned the uterus, bladder, vagina, and other parts of the female reproductive system. A few of them had no idea what causes menstruation. The findings again revealed that most girls use sanitary pads, while some use other materials during menstruation. Less than half of the sample of girls in this study were able to change their pads twice daily or more. About half of the girls cleansed their genital parts only when bathing during menstruation using soup and water mostly. Half of the schools used public tap/standpipe as their main source of water and the rest used other sources of water. Also, most schools have toilet facilities. Some useful recommendations are proffered with the aim of improving MHM in public high schools in Ghana

Behavioral Pattern of Menopausal Nigeria Women

Context : Menopause is one area that has been shrouded in myths and taboos and the way women perceive menopause depends largely on the social belief about menopause in their society. Objective : The aims of this study are to assess how women perceived the physical changes during menopause; what the social as well as the individual adjustment practice to menopausal changes might be. Materials and Methods : Qualitative focal group study among women aged 40 years and above where eight to ten volunteers formed a group. Six sessions were held for different focal group; each lasting 1-2 h. A tape recorder and a notepad were used to record the discussions. Opinions of the women were sought on socio-cultural differences in the perception of aging; perception of menstruation; perceived causes and consequences of menopause; sexual intercourse after menopause; social support networks for menopausal women; and types of care and treatment for women in menopause. Results: The participants in the FGDs used various phrases to describe menopause in local term; while some of the participants attributed disease to be a cause of menopause; others believed that it be could be caused by witchcraft or sorcery. However; younger and old women whose menstrual flow stops prematurely seek assistance; often from traditional or spiritual healers. Conclusion: This study reveals the poor menopausal knowledge among the study group with more than half of the respondents having negative attitude towards menopause in addition to mixed feelings about religious obligation and cohabitation

Menstruation and menstrual hygiene amongst adolescent school girls in Kano, Northwestern Nigeria

This study examined the knowledge and practices of adolescent school girls in Kano, Nigeria around menstruation and menstrual hygiene. Data was collected quantitatively and analyzed using Epi info version 3.2.05. The mean age of the students was 14.4 ± 1.2 years; majority was in their mid adolescence. The students attained menarche at 12.9 ± 0.8 years. Majority had fair knowledge of menstruation, although deficient in specific knowledge areas. Most of them used sanitary pads as absorbent during their last menses; changed menstrual dressings about 1-5 times per day; and three-quarter increased the frequency of bathing. Institutionalizing sexuality education in Nigerian schools; developing and disseminating sensitive adolescent reproductive health massages targeted at both parents and their adolescent children; and improving access of the adolescents to youth friendly services are veritable means of meeting the adolescent reproductive health needs in Nigeria (Afr. J. Reprod. Health 2010; 14[3]: 201-207)

Return to sexual activity and modern family planning use in the extended postpartum period: an analysis of findings from seventeen countries

Unintended pregnancies can lead to poor maternal and child health outcomes. Family planning use during the first year postpartum has the potential to significantly reduce at least some of these unintended pregnancies. This paper examines the relationship of menses return, breastfeeding status, and postpartum duration on return to sexual activity and use of modern family planning among postpartum women. This paper presents results from a secondary data analysis of Demographic and Health Surveys from 17 countries. For postpartum women, the return of menses, breastfeeding status, and postpartum duration are significantly associated with return to sexual activity in at least 10 out of the 17 countries but not consistently associated with family planning use. Only menses return had a significant association with use of modern family planning in the majority of countries. These findings point to the importance of education about pregnancy risk prior to menses return (Afr J Reprod Health 2010; 14[4]: 75-82)

Perceptions and practices on menstruation amongst Nigerian secondary school girls

This Cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted amongst 550 secondary school girls in southeastern Nigeria to determine their perceptions; problems; and practices on menstruation. Majority of the students; (75.6); were aged 15-17 years. Only 39.3perceived menstruation to be physiological. Abdominal pain/discomfort; (66.2); was the commonest medical problem encountered by the respondents; although 45.8had multiple problems. Medical problems were most commonly discussed with the mother; (47.1); and least commonly discussed with the teachers; 0.4. Analgesics; (75.6); were most commonly used to relieve menstrual pain. Only 10of respondents used non pharmacologic remedies. Unsanitary menstrual absorbents were used by 55.7of the respondents. Menstruation perceptions are poor; and practices often incorrect. A multi-dimensional approach focusing on capacity building of mothers; and teachers on sexuality education skills; using religious organizations as avenues for sexuality education; and effectively using the Mass Media as reproductive health education channels are recommended towards improving adolescents' perceptions and practices on menstruation

Menstruation in rural igbo women of South East Nigeria : attitudes, beliefs and practices

Many cultures hold on to different beliefs and retain community-defined restrictions for menstruating women. The Igbo society of southeast Nigeria is rich in culture, myths and superstitions but, surprisingly no documentation exists on menstrual beliefs and practices among the population. This questionnaire-based cross sectional study supplemented with in-depth interviews evaluated the beliefs, myths and traditional practices associated with menstruation within rural Igbo communities. It revealed that the menstrual egress is of great significance in Igbo culture and must be disposed of carefully to avoid exposure to witchcraft and rituals. Some respondents observed self-imposed restrictions on exercises, food items, visits and sex in order to maintain physical and spiritual cleanliness, lessen discomfort and avoid embarrassment. Gynaecologists working in this region should utilize the opportunities of clinical consultations to discuss menstrual health issues with their female patients and educate them on the physiology and significance of menstruation. (Afr Reprod Health 2008; 12[1]:109-115)

Menstrual Problems and Associated Factors among Students of Bahir Dar University; Amhara National Regional State; Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Introduction: Menstrual problems are the most common gynecologic complaints. The prevalence is highest in the 20 to 24-year-old age group and decreases progressively thereafter. They affect not only the woman; but also family; social and national economics as well. However; Population studies on Menstrual problems and associated factors were very little for university students in Ethiopia. Methods: Institutional based quantitative cross-sectional study was employed at Bahir Dar University from October 14 to 20; 2010; Ethiopia. Stratified sampling technique was used and 491 study subjects were randomly selected from faculties. Only 470 respondents had given complete response for the self-administered questionnaire and were included in the final analysis. Data was entered and analyzed with SPSS version 16.0 windows. The main statistical method applied was logistic regression (unconditional) and both the classical bivariate and the multivariate analyses were considered. Results: : The prevalence of dysmenorrhea and premenstrual syndrome were 85.1 and 72.8 ; respectively. The most contributing factors remained to be statistically significant and independently associated with dysmenorrhea were having menstrual cycle length of 21-35 days (AOR=0.16; 95 CI: 0.04; 0.71); family history of dysmenorrhea (AOR=3.80; 95 CI: 2.13; 6.78) and circumcision (AOR=1.84; 95CI: 1.001; 3.386) while with premenstrual syndrome were educational status of mothers being certified in certificate and beyond (AOR=0.45; 95 CI: 0.25; 0.83); living in Peda campus (AOR=2.11; 95 : 1.30; 3.45); having irregular menstruation (AOR=1.87; 95 CI: 1.17; 2.99) and family history of premenstrual syndrome (AOR=4.19; 95 CI: 2.60; 6.74). Conclusion: The prevalence of menstrual problems among students of Bahir Dar University was very high. Menstrual cycle length; family history of dysmenorrhea and circumcision were the most contributing factors associated with dysmenorrhea while educational status of mothers; regularity of menstruation; and family history of premenstrual syndrome were for premenstrual syndrome. Health education; appropriate medical treatment and counseling; should be accessible and persistently provided to the affected students by Bahir Dar University. Maximum effort is needed to eliminate circumcision by all levels and further steps that would enable females to join their college education should be applied

Sexual and Menstrual Pratices : Risk for Cervix Cancer

Cervix cancer is the cancer that causes most female deaths in South Africa. Little is known about the sexual and menstrual practices in high-risk communities in South Africa. Knowledge of the risks inherent in these practices might lead to changed behaviour. The purpose of this study was to investigate if there are inherent risk factors for cervix cancer in the Black women's sexual and menstrual practices that could result in an increased incidence to provide an evidence base for future interventions. The design of the study was an exploratory; descriptive; contextual; quantitative survey. The context of the study was two urban areas in the Tshwane Metropolis. The target population was women from the age of 18 years in Ga-Rankuwa and Soshanguve extension 12. The sampling method used was convenient sampling (n = 279). A structured interview was conducted due to the high rate of illiteracy found amongst the women. The data were summarised using descriptive statistics. The results of the study highlight several risks that could increase the women's chance to develop cervix cancer. The identified risks are inherent in their socio-economic situation; knowledge and awareness of cervix cancer; and practices during menstruation

Etude epidemio-clinique de la menarche en milieu scolaire (2eme cycle fondamental et lycees) a Bamako de Mars a Avril

Nous avons realise une etude transversale de mars a avril 2004 aupres de 1300 eleves et lyceennes du district de Bamako. Il en ressort que : L'age de la menarche est de 13;22 ans. Les facteurs susceptibles d'influencer la date d'apparition des 1eres regles sont : le niveau socio-economique des parents; le niveau de reussite scolaire des filles. Les filles dont les parents sont d'un niveau socio-economique eleve sont beaucoup plus precoces et les filles en retard scolaire presentent un retard dans la date d'apparition des 1eres regles. 63;3 p.100 des scolaires avaient des connaissances sur le phenomene des regles avant leur survenue et la premiere source de renseignement etait fournie par la mere a 39;9 p.100 L'age au premier rapport sexuel est de 15;74 ans. Le partenaire sexuel des scolaires n'a pas utilise le preservatif dans 66;7 p.100 des cas. La peur des infections sexuellement transmissibles represente la cause majeure de l'utilisation du preservatif