Understanding the knowledge and experience of menarche among secondary school female students in Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria

Background: Menstruation, a key physiological change in females of reproductive age, necessitates providing young girls with crucial information on menarche to better prepare them. Methods: This study assessed the knowledge and experience of menarche among secondary school female students in Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria, utilizing a descriptive cross-sectional survey method. Conducted from August to September 2023, the study involved 420 participants and employed multistage sampling for selection. Results: The findings revealed a paradoxical decrease in the mean age of menarche to 12.02 +/- 1.15 years, with most girls experiencing menarche at age 13. Notably, 91.4% of participants had substantial knowledge of menarche, primarily acquired from mothers. Although 86.9% recognized menarche as a normal puberty change, experiences varied: 45.5% felt normal, 39.3% were afraid, and 12.9% felt ashamed during their menarche. Conclusions: The study concludes that despite high awareness levels, poor menarche experiences prevail due to inadequate preparation. It recommends enhanced awareness campaigns in schools, spearheaded by NGOs and health workers, to educate and prepare young girls for menarche effectively.

Riding under the influence: unravelling substance abuse patterns among motorcyclists in South-Eastern Nigeria

Background: Drug and substance abuse has been outlined as a worldwide problem that is wreaking havoc on both social and public health across many nations. It is a global problem that affects both developed and developing countries. The objective of this study was to assess substance abuse among Okada riders in Nnewi, Anambra State, Eastern Nigeria. Methods: Drug and substance abuse has been outlined as a worldwide problem that is wreaking havoc on both social and public health across many nations. It is a global problem that affects both developed and developing countries. The objective of this study was to assess substance abuse among Okada riders in Nnewi, Anambra State, Eastern Nigeria. Results: About 221 Okada riders were assessed. Majority of them were middle aged. The mean age of the respondents were 39.5±11.1 years, with a range of 19-65 years. About 100% of the respondents were aware of substance abuse. Overall 73.3% of the respondents abuse at least a substance, with alcohol recording the highest use with 93.8% prevalence. About 77.2% of the abusers have taken these drugs before driving, and 65.2% have been involved in an accident, however only 5.4% admitted it was as a result of substance used. Conclusions: The prevalence of substances use among Okada riders in Nnewi was high. There was however a high awareness of the negative consequences of use of substance. Non-governmental organizations should target Okada riders for interpersonal communication interventions to help mitigate the use of substances.