Assessment of female students’ Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) regarding Menstrual Hygiene Management

ABSTRACT

@#Hygienic practices during menstruation are of great importance. The lack of which increases emotional distress, anxiety, low self-esteem, feeling unclean and discrimination as well as the susceptibility of an individual to reproductive tract infections. This prospective study was an assessment of female students’ perception (knowledge, attitude and practices) regarding menstrual hygiene management (MHM) at the School of Medicine and Health Science (SMHS), University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG). Pretested questionnaire was distributed to 80 female students using a quantitative approach for data collection after obtaining ethical clearance. The responses were recorded in Excel Spread sheets. The data was statistically analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2013. All the participants learned through education that menstruation is a natural process in all females after puberty. Majority (90%) of the participants agreed with the proposed concept of free-distribution of sanitary pads to all female students by the SMHS student services. Further research on menstrual management options that are practical, sustainable and culturally acceptable must be conducted to inform future programs and policies that aim to empower young girls as they transition into womanhood.