Navigating Menstrual Health: A Study on Hygiene Practices Among Adolescent Girls in Akure North, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Menstrual hygiene is vital for adolescent health but remains a significant challenge in low-resource settings. This study examines the influence of socio-economic and educational factors on menstrual hygiene practices among adolescent girls in Akure North, Nigeria.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 500 adolescent girls assessed their awareness, education, and challenges related to menstrual hygiene management. Pearson correlation was used to analyse the relationships between socioeconomic factors, educational attainment, and menstrual hygiene practices.

Results: Family income showed a weak positive correlation with the ability to purchase sanitary products (r = 0.082, p = 0.068). Parental support was weakly negatively correlated with menstrual hygiene management (r = -0.049, p = 0.277). Availability of private spaces in schools was significantly correlated with reduced absenteeism (r = -0.099, p = 0.027). Educational attainment and access to clean water showed weak correlations with menstrual hygiene practices. Adequate menstrual hygiene education was significantly linked to increased awareness of where to seek help (r = 0.091, p = 0.043).

Conclusion: Socio-economic factors influence menstrual hygiene, but improving educational interventions and school facilities is crucial. The study's limitations include its cross-sectional design and reliance on self-reported data.