The objective of this study is to assess the knowledge and practice of menstrual hygiene among high school girls at Oforikrom, Kumasi. The issue of menstrual hygiene is inadequately acknowledged and has not received proper attention. Use of sanitary pads and washing the genital area are essential practices to keep the menstrual hygiene. Unhygienic menstrual practices can affect the health of the girls and there is an increased vulnerability to reproductive tract infections and pelvic inflammatory diseases and other complications.
A school based cross-sectional study design was employed in the study. A multi stage sampling technique was used to select 200 female junior high school students. Data collection was carried out from the students in their schools and homes using a pre- tested structured questionnaire. The data were entered into a computer using Excel and then exported to SPSS for Windows version 22 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was done at 95 % confidence interval.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND
1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT
1.3 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
1.3.1 MAIN OBJECTIVE
1.3.2 SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
1.4 JUSTIFICTION OF THE STUDY
1.5 ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 INTRODUCTION:
2.2 ADOLESCENCE
2.3 MENSTRUATION AND THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE
2.4 MENARCHE
2.5 MENSTRUATION HYGIENE MANAGEMENT (MHM)
2.5.1 The importance of Adequate Menstrual Hygiene Management
2.6 POOR MENSTRUAL HYGIENE
2.7 ROLE OF SOCIAL TABOOS
2.8 WATER, SANITATION AND HYGIENE (WASH) SCHEME
2.9 UTILIZATION OF SANITARY NAPKINS
2.10 EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES REGARDING MENSTRUATION AND MENSTRUAL HYGIENE PRACTICES
2.11 MENSTRUAL EDUCATION
2.12 INFLUENTIAL FACTORS OR PREDICTORS OF MENSTRUAL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT
2.12.1 Role of Health knowledge
2.12.2 Role of Culture and societal norms
2.12.3 Influence of hand washing
2.12.4 Availability of Sanitary products
2.12.5 Risk of infection in the menstrual cycle
2.12.6 Socio-economic factors
2.13 CONCLUSION
3. METHODOLOGY
3.1 INTRODUCTION
3.2 STUDY DESIGN
3.3 STUDY AREA
3.4 STUDY POPULATION
3.5 SAMPLE SIZE DETERMINATION AND SAMPLING METHODS
3.6 INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA
3.6.1 Inclusion Criteria
3.6.2 Exclusion criteria.
3.7 DATA COLLECTION TOOLS, TECHNIQUES/ METHODS
3.9 DATA PROCESSING AND ANALYSIS
3.10 ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
3.11 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
4. DATA ANALYSIS
4.0 INTRODUCTION
4.1 SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE RESPONDENTS
4.2 KNOWLEDGE ABOUT MENSTRUATION AND ITS HYGIENE
4. 3 RESPONDENTS’ SOURCES OF INFORMATION ABOUT MENSTRUATION
4.4 PREDICTORS OF KNOWLEDGE ABOUT MENSTRUATION AND MENSTRUAL HYGIENE
4.5 HYGIENIC PRACTICES DURING MENSTRUATION
4.6 PREDICTORS OF PRACTICE ABOUT MENSTRUATION AND MENSTRUAL HYGIENE
5. DISCUSSION, RECOMMENDATION AND CONCLUSION
5.1 INTRODUCTION
5.2 KNOWLEDGE OF MENSTRUATION
5.3 SOURCES OF INFORMATION ON MENSTRUATION
5.4 PREDICTORS OF KNOWLEDGE ABOUT MENSTRUATION AND MENSTRUAL HYGIENE
5.5 HYGIENIC PRACTICES DURING MENSTRUATION
5.6 PREDICTORS OF PRACTICE ABOUT MENSTRUATION AND MENSTRUAL HYGIENE
5.7 CONCLUSION
5.8 RECOMMENDATION
Research Objectives and Key Topics
The study aims to assess the knowledge and practices of menstrual hygiene management among adolescent female students in Oforikrom, Kumasi, identifying the factors that influence these practices to support policy development and student well-being.
- Menstrual hygiene knowledge and perception among adolescent girls.
- Sociodemographic factors influencing menstrual health practices.
- Impact of socioeconomic status and family resources on hygiene.
- Role of education and media in shaping menstrual practices.
- Consequences of inadequate menstrual hygiene on health and school attendance.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1 BACKGROUND
According to the World Health Organization (2014), Adolescence is a transitional stage of physical, psychological, social and biological human development that generally occurs during the period from puberty to legal adulthood. The World Health Organization (2014) defines adolescents as young people between the ages of 10 and 19 years. Adolescent population constitutes about 16% of world’s total population (World Health Organization, 2002). Adolescence is a transition period from childhood to adult life which is an important and sensitive phase of life. Many physical, mental and social developments take place during this phase (Ghongdemath, Sidhmalswamy, Mallapur, & Shindholimath, 2016).
Menstruation is a universal and normal phenomenon during the reproductive age of females (Matsumoto, 1962; MacGregor, Chia, Vohrah, & Wilkinson, 1990). The onset of menses takes place during adolescent period in which dominant physiological and emotional changes take place (Ayele & Berhan, 2013). Adolescent is an essential period where females are preparing and adjusting themselves to manage their menstrual bleeding in safe and clean way (Lee, 2002). This is also the ideal time that girls often join different environments including high schools and tried to plan for their next adulthood life (Ayele & Berhan, 2013).
For a girl, adolescence is a period of rapid transition to womanhood. The onset of menstruation is one of the most important changes that occur for girls during the adolescent years (Haque, Rahman, & Itsuko, 2014). Menstruation occurs periodically throughout the child bearing years, except during pregnancy and lactation. It commences with menarche and ends with menopause. Throughout this period it is important for women to understand the changes that happen with menstruation. Even though menstruation is a physiological process, it is linked with several misconceptions and malpractices which may result in adverse health outcomes. Menstruation and menstrual hygiene related practices are still clouded by taboos and socio-cultural restrictions (Ghongdemath et al., 2016).
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION: Provides the background information, states the research problem regarding menstrual hygiene among adolescents, and outlines the specific objectives and justification for the study.
CHAPTER TWO LITERATURE REVIEW: Examines existing studies and theoretical frameworks concerning adolescent development, menstruation, social taboos, and the factors influencing menstrual hygiene management.
CHAPTER THREE METHODOLOGY: Describes the cross-sectional study design, sampling techniques, data collection instruments, and the ethical considerations involved in the research process.
CHAPTER FOUR DATA ANALYSIS: Presents the findings regarding the socio-demographic characteristics of the participants and statistical analysis of their knowledge and hygiene practices.
CHAPTER FIVE DISCUSSION, RECOMMENDATION AND CONCLUSION: Interprets the study results in the context of existing literature, offers recommendations for policy makers and educational institutions, and concludes the findings.
Keywords
Adolescence, Menstrual Hygiene Management, Menarche, Reproductive Tract Infections, Sanitary Pads, Socio-economic Factors, Health Education, Oforikrom, Menstrual Knowledge, Hygienic Practices, School Absenteeism, Puberty, Adolescent Girls, WASH Scheme, Reproductive Health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this study?
This thesis examines the level of knowledge and the actual practices regarding menstrual hygiene among adolescent female students in the Oforikrom area of Kumasi, Ghana.
What are the core thematic areas discussed in the research?
The work covers menstrual physiology, the impact of socioeconomic status on hygiene, the role of cultural taboos, access to sanitary resources, and the importance of school-based health education.
What is the main objective of the research?
The central aim is to assess the knowledge and practices of menstrual hygiene among adolescent Junior High School girls and identify the key factors that predict these outcomes.
Which scientific method was utilized?
The study employed a school-based, cross-sectional descriptive design, collecting data through self-administered questionnaires from 200 female students selected via multi-stage sampling.
What topics are covered in the main body of the work?
The main body includes a thorough literature review, a detailed breakdown of study methodology, descriptive data analysis of the participants, and an analytical discussion of the findings related to menstrual predictors.
Which keywords define this research?
Core keywords include Adolescent Girls, Menstrual Hygiene Management, Reproductive Tract Infections, Sanitary Pads, and Health Education.
How does mother's education influence a student's menstrual hygiene practices?
The study found a significant positive association; students whose mothers had completed senior high school (SHS) or higher were twice as likely to maintain good menstrual hygiene practices.
What is the significance of permanent pocket money for the students?
Girls who receive permanent pocket money from their parents were found to be nearly three times more likely to demonstrate good menstrual hygiene practices, likely due to increased ability to purchase sanitary products.
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 2020, Knowledge and Practice of Menstrual Hygiene among Adolescent Female Students in Oforikrom, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/923660
