ATTITUDE TO AND PRACTICE OF MENSTRUAL HYGIENE AMONG FEMALE SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN UDENU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA ENUGU STATE.

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Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine the negative and positive attitude to and practice of

menstrual hygiene among senior female secondary school students in Udenu local government area,  Enugu  state.  To  achieve   the  purpose   of  the  study,  ten   specific   objectives   with corresponding research questions were posed and two hypotheses postulated. Descriptive survey research design was used for the study. The population for the study consisted of 7680 senior female secondary school students while stratified sampling procedure was used to draw a sample of 384 students used for the study. The instrument for data collection was 40 item researcher’s designed questionnaire.  The research  questions were  answered using means  and percentages while null hypotheses were tested using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and chi-square statistics at  .05  level of significance  The  following  results  were  obtained.  Attitude  towards  personal hygiene (f = 19.894, P=.000<.05) attitude towards selection of menstrual absorbents (f=28.675, P

=.000< .05), Attitude towards disposal (F =10.736, P =. 000< .05) and attitude towards storage of menstrual  absorbents  (F=11.461,  P =.000<.05).  The  P- values were  lesser than  .05 level of significance  at 2  and 283 degrees of freedom. For the practices: practices towards personal hygiene (X2= 127.5,6, P=.000), selection of menstrual absorbents (X2=17.917 P=.000), disposal (X2  =97.292, P=. 000) and storage (X2= 42.965, p =. 000) with their corresponding P- values which are lesser than .05 level of significance at 8 degrees of freedom. Major findings show that age has major effects on the attitudes and practices of menstrual hygiene among senior female secondary students. It was recommended by the researcher that government should expand and intensify  education  on  menstrual  hygiene  so  as  curb  these  negative  attitudes  and  practices towards menstruation. It was also recommended that appropriate waste disposal facilities such as toilets and incinerator should be provided especially in schools to ensure adequate menstrual waste disposal.

Background to the Study

CHAPTER ONE Introduction

Menstruation is a phenomenon unique to all females. The onset of menstruation represents a landmark even  in pubertal development of the adolescent girl. Menstruation a natural process in a woman’s life needs special care from physical and psychological point of view. Menstrual hygiene management is an issue that is insufficiently acknowledged and has not received adequate attention from any quarter of the society (Arkutu, 1995).  Menstruation and the menstrual cycle are characterized by variability in volume, pattern and regularities, which at the earlier stages of the development of the adolescent can create emotional discomfort particularly to the poorly informed girl (Nair,

2011).  The  challenge  of  providing  special  facilities  for  girls  reaching  puberty  is  a question far removed from the authorities. The lack of policy in this regard is a major hurdle. Unfortunately, authorities have not yet realized the fact that lack of facilities in school can force girls to remain absent from schools and in the other hand, it would cause infectious diseases.

Statistically, United Nation Children Fund UNICEF in collaboration with World Health Organization WHO (2005) had identified that 75 per cent of women population had gynecological problems or complications as a result of poor menstrual hygiene. This has resulted  to  infertility which also brought  about broken  homes. In  Nigeria, major cultural difference exists which to a large extent influence several characteristics and attitude of people. Culturally, amongst the Ibos, discussion on sexuality including menstruation  is often shrouded  in secrecy, rarely is such discussion  carried  out even among adults themselves.  Abioye (2000) reported that some girls have no access to clean and safe sanitary products and are subjected to restrictions in their daily activities or lives because they are menstruating. Besides, the health problems due to poor hygiene during menstruation are as a result of unaffordability of facilities and inappropriate supply of sanitary products which may push them temporarily or sometimes permanently out of school, having a negative impact on the right to education.

Menstruation means the periodic discharge of blood and mucosal tissue from the uterus accruing approximately monthly from puberty to menopause. According to Chung

(1981) the first menstruation is considered as a symbol of transition from girlhood to adulthood.   Various   aspects   such   as   physiology,   pathology   and   psychology   of menstruation have been formed to associate  it with health and well-being of women; hence it is an important issue concerning morbidity among female population (Arkutu,

1995). Menstruation is the periodic shedding of the endometrial (lining of the uterus) accompanied  by blood  loss  that  identifies  the  reproductive  years  of a woman’s  life (Arkutu,1995) Menstruation is a natural phenomenon among matured females who experience shedding of blood for one to seven days every month from the age of maturity until menopause (Abera, 2003). Menstruation refers to as the monthly bleeding of each menstrual cycle of adolescent and adult women. Adiar (2008), stated that the first menstruation (Menarche) usually, occurs at puberty typically between the ages of 11 and

16, and periods continues until the menopause around the age of 45-50. However, menstruation does not occur during pregnancy and can be suppressed or disrupted  in women who are breast feeding. Menstruation is part of the menstrual cycle which helps a woman’s body to prepare for the possibility of pregnancy each month. Snigh (2006) stated that the parts of the body involved in menstrual cycle include: the uterus, cervix, vagina, fallopian tube, the brain and the pituitary gland. Some girls start their menstrual periods as early as 10 years of age and as late as 16 years old. The average age a girl begins menstruating is 12 years (Jones, 1999).

Menstruation is one of the most important stages in a woman’s life. Although, it is a natural process, is linked with several misconceptions  which sometimes results into adverse health conditions or outcomes (Abera, 2003). Negligence in menstrual hygiene has  resulted  in  biological  and  gynecological  problems  across  nations.  The  negative effects such as, vaginal tract infections, urinary tract infection as well as, infertility are far-ranging on the lives of girls and women, and on the wider development goal (Abera,

2003). Neglecting menstrual hygiene could also have a negative effect on environment, failing to provide disposal facilities for used sanitary products can result in a significant solid waste. Up till day, poor menstrual hygiene in developing countries has led to so many health problems. One of the main reasons behind the issue is that menstruation is considered in many societies a hidden and secret issue. Isolation of menstruating girls and

restrictions being imposed on them in the family has reinforced a negative attitude toward this phenomenon.

A report from Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH, 2008), in South Asia indicated that menstrual hygiene has been associated with a wide range of health and psycho-social  outcomes e.g., stress  levels,  fear,  embarrassment,  and social exclusion. The situation  in African  cities is not much different. The  forum for African Women Educationist FAWE (1999) in Uganda observed that menstruation and menstrual hygiene are  the  most  important  factors  affecting  school  drop-out  among  adolescent  girls. According to the report, the cause lies in a combination of poverty, tradition and taboos. The report further stated that poor menstrual hygiene links to urinary or reproductive tract infections and other reproductive health problems.

This is why hygiene related practices during menstruation  are of considerable importance for reproductive health. Good hygiene towards menstruation such as use of sanitary pads and adequate washing of genital area is essential for girls and women of reproductive age who need access to clean and soft absorbent sanitary products, which in long run protect their health (Fernade, 2008). Good hygiene prevents transmission of infections.

Hygiene refers to personal and environmental cleanliness which particularly help to minimize exposure to germs. Hygienic practices vary widely, and what is considered acceptable  in  one  culture  might not be  acceptable  in another.  Hygiene  in  home  and everyday life setting play an important part in preventing spread of infections. Hygiene is based on identifying the routes of spread of pathogen and applying hygiene procedures and critical points at appropriate times to break the chain of infection (Andrew, 1992). The aim of personal hygiene is to promote standards of personal cleanliness within the setting of the condition where people live. Personal hygiene include: bathing, clothing, washing  hands,  and  toilets,  care  of  nails,  feet  and  teeth,  personal  appearance  and inculcation of clean habits in the young. Environmental hygiene deals with the home and other surroundings. It involves proper disposal of waste, possible and adequate water supply,  hygienic storage of food among others. Poor environmental hygiene leads  to health problems. Therefore, hygiene practices during menstruation are of great important.

Menstrual hygiene is defined as a practice by which women and adolescent girls use  a clean  material  to  absorb  or collect  menstrual  blood,  and  this  material  can  be changed in privacy as often as necessary for the duration of menstruation. Santha,(2011) stated that it also include using soap and water for washing the body as required and having access to facilities to dispose materials . Menstrual hygiene can be essential in ensuring that a woman’s everyday life is not interrupted by menstruation. It ensures that a woman can continue with her daily routine such as going to school, going to work or doing household chores. It can also prevent potential situations of embarrassment about her.  Maintaining   proper  menstrual   hygiene   is  important   to   the  well  being  and development of the body (Kadel, 2007). The author stated that, one should bath regularly, use clean and dry feminine hygiene products such as sanitary pads, napkins, tampon, and cloths among others and change them regularly during menstruation. If a woman is using cloth, it is important that the woman regularly wash them with soap and water, and dry them completely in the sun before use; as damp clothing can carry germs that can lead to infection.

Menstrual hygiene of adolescents and young people is important to the overall health and quality of life of any community. Ranjinj (2009) stated that menstrual hygiene affects people’s quality of life, prevention of gynaecological complications and makes way for sustainable development. In this study, menstrual hygiene means conditions or practices especially cleanliness  to be exhibited  by senior secondary students  towards menstruation or while they are menstruating in order to maintain good health. This study will be restricted to some components as personal hygiene, selection of menstrual absorbents, proper disposal of absorbents and storage. These components which formed the bedrock of the study were highlighted below.

Personal hygiene may be described as the principle of maintaining cleanliness and grooming of the external body. Abioye (2000) suggested that failure to keep up a standard of hygiene can have many implications. Not only is there an increased risk of getting an infection, but there are many social and psychological  aspects that can be affected. The author further stated that one of the most effective ways one can protect his or herself and others from illness is through the practice of good personal hygiene. This means,  washing  one’s  hands, especially,  and  also one’s  body.  Good  habits  can help

control body odour and bad breath. During menstruation, personal hygiene is a common concern  for  most  women,  from  bathing,  showering  to  washing  clothes,  everything requires  tips  for  keeping  body  clean  and  maintaining  a  good  health  (Hahn,  1997). Women, especially girls going to school often have problems about maintaining hygiene during periods. It is also very important that one keeps oneself clean and dry. Daily or more frequent washing of the genital area is very important. It helps to stop any odour or possible  infection. Adiar (2001) suggested  that personal hygiene during  menstruation explored included information about bathing and showering buying and using sanitary products. The author stated that it is essential to maintain strict hand washing before and after changing sanitary products.

Hygiene  products  are  materials  or  items  worn  by  a  woman  while  she  is menstruating to absorb the flow of blood from the vagina (Gupta, 2006). These materials or items include sanitary towel, menstrual pad, cloths, tampons, napkins and many more. The author stated that absorbents should be changed at least 3-4 times daily. Napkins or cloths should be washed thoroughly, dried well before re-use to avoid the invasion of micro organisms. The choice of sanitary protection is very important and much more a personal decision. It is always influenced by a woman or girls’ access to fund, water and other affordable options.   Again, the menstrual flow, that is, light or heavy is another considerable factor in choosing any product .Once, a girl begins menstruating, she needs to choose from the various menstrual products which are available. The used or soiled absorbents should be properly discarded.

To dispose means to get rid of something. Disposal of menstrual hygiene products after use is very much important. It is essential to discard the used products properly because they are capable of spreading infections and have offensive odour ( Harvey,2002).The authour stated that wrapping it well before discarding it ensures that smell and infections are prevented. The unused (clean) absorbents should be stored well.

Storage is the act of keeping things for future use. According to Rathus (1983), keeping the unused menstrual products is very important, and helps to make it available when needed. The author opined that, it is advised not to keep the menstrual products in damp  and  humid  places  to  avoid  the  outgrowth  of  micro-organisms   which  can contaminate  them.  From  the  foregoing,  one  stands  to  reason  that  acquisition  of

appropriate attitude is important for achieving proper hygiene during menstruation which enhances the reduction of risks of menstrual complications.

Attitude  is  concerned  with  one’s  feeling  toward  an  object,  person  or  thing. Attitude is defined as mental and neutral state of readiness organized through experience, exerting a directive or dynamic influence upon the individual’s responses to all objects and situations, which it relates (Eyo, 1995). Attitude serves as a primary function of bringing together the diverse experiences to which an individual is exposed and forming them  into  a  cohesive  organized  whole  (Effa-Heap,  1997).  Attitude  according  to Odunukwe (2002), is evaluating feeling towards a particular target. The author further stated that attitude represents  an organization  of positive and negative emotion. Park (2007) explained that attitude is a relatively enduring organization of beliefs around an object,  subject  or  concept,  which  predisposed  one  to  respond  in  some  preferential manner.  The  author  maintained  that  attitudes  are  acquired  by  social  interactions. Dieghton (1991) viewed attitude as a predisposition to classify objects and events and to reach them with some degree of evaluative consistency. Katz (1981) stated that attitude is an  individual’s  tendency or predisposition  to evaluate  an object in  a certain  manner. Attitudes  that  are  related  to  menstrual  hygiene  (MH)  are  termed  menstrual  hygiene attitudes. The attitudes can be positive or negative. Positive attitudes can enhance good health  while  negative  attitudes  can  also  lead  to  reproductive  tract  infections.    It  is therefore expected that the female senior secondary school students should have positive attitude with resultant positive practice.

Practice  simply  means  actions.  Practice  can  be  defined  as  the  act  of  doing something customarily, or habitually, or to do or perform often (Webster, 2000). Practice also refers to a way of doing something regularly (Hornby, 2005). Ejifugha (1999) stated that the meaning of an idea or concept is established when put into practice. The author maintained  that  an  individual  who  has been  exposed  to  health  information  is  better disposed  and  will  adopt  positive  health  practices  than  one  who  is  ignorant  of  it. Knowledge and action are related. No wonder WHO (2005) stated that knowledge is pre- requisite  for  any  health  action.  Practices  related  to  menstrual  hygiene  are  termed menstrual hygiene practices. Menstrual hygiene practice in this study refers to variety of actions female senior secondary school students take towards personal hygiene, selection

of menstrual absorbents, disposal of menstrual absorbents and storage of menstrual absorbents. Examples of such practices are taking bath regularly, washing hands after changing absorbents, changing of absorbents at least 3-4 times daily, washing of napkins or cloths and allowing it to dry very well, storing of absorbents in a cool, dry place, proper disposal of absorbents and many more.  This study was concerned with attitude to and practice bordering on personal hygiene, selection of menstrual products, disposal of menstrual products and storage towards menstruation  among female senior secondary school students in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

Senior secondary school students are young persons between  the ages of 12-

18years  who  possess  the  same  characteristics  as  adolescents.  The      senior  female secondary school students and adolescents will be used interchangeably in this study and are characterized by rapid changes in physical growth, development of sexual characteristics and reproductive capability, psychological development of autonomy, independent identity and value system. According to Ogungbeni (2003), menstruation is one of the most important changes occurring among girls during the adolescent years. The author stated  that some  girls drop out of school  when  they menstruate.  This  is because,  there  is no  adequate  facilitates  in  schools  which  enable  students  especially females to manage menstruation hygienically.  Moreover, poor menstrual hygiene and unsafe  sanitary  conditions  have  also  primarily  resulted  in  gynaecological  problems among senior female secondary school students. There has been prevalence of infections due to inadequate hygiene during menstruation. Harvey (2002) reported that repeated use of  unclean  napkins  results  in  harbouring  of  micro  organisms  and  causing  vaginal infections. Therefore, hygiene related practices among senior female secondary students during menstruation are of considerably importance as it has a health impact in terms of increased vulnerability to reproductive tract infection (RTI). The attitude and practice of the students may be influenced by some socio-demographic factors.

Some socio-demographic factors contribute to either positive or negative attitude to or practice of menstrual hygiene among senior female secondary school students. Such factors include, age, location, and level of education. However, this study is delimited to only age. This is because, secondary schools in Udenu local government area are all situated in rural locations and the students are at the same level of education which is

secondary education. Age has been identified as a strong factor that influence attitude to and  practice  of  menstrual  hygiene  among  female  senior  secondary  school  students. Abioye (2000) stated that majority of students aged 12-18 years often menstruate. The author further indicated that age profoundly influenced the practice of changing napkin at night. Girls between  the age of 12-15 years resort to unhygienic  alternatives such as unsanitized cloths, which often lead to reproductive tract infections (RTI). Inadequate menstrual protection compels adolescent girls in this age group to be absent for five days of school in a month or 50 days in a year. About 23 per cent of these girls according to Gupta (2006) drop out of school once they start menstruation. Girls at this age have not learnt that changing of absorbents in the night is of great importance. Some leave absorbents over night which leads to irritation of the body and other infections such as bacteria vaginosis (BV) and vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) (Beyene, 2001). This socio- demographic factor has some implications on some health theories and model

This study was anchored on two theories and one model. These were health belief model, theory of reasoned action and theory of planned behavior. The health belief model has its focus on relationship  of health behaviours,  practices  and utilization  of health services. The health belief model predicts that individuals who perceive that they are susceptible to a particular health problem will engage in behaviours to reduce their risk of developing the health problem. Individuals who believe they are at low risk of developing an illness are more likely to engage in unhealthy or risk behaviours.   This was useful because senior secondary students who believed that proper hygiene during menstruation is essential practice, helps to achieve good health. Theory of reasoned action shows how attitude  impact  on  behaivour,  a person’s  behaviour  is  determined  by  his  liking  and disliking of the outcome of that behaviour. Senior female secondary school students who develop poor attitude towards menstrual hygiene are likely not to achieve good health, while those  that have positive attitude  will have  good health. The  theory of planned behaviour stipulated that what an individual does is determined by attitude, social support and perceived  behavioral  control.  It  follows  that  if   senior female  secondary  school students get to know the danger of improper hygiene during menstruation on their health and that of their beloved ones, they will be more likely motivated to plan and embrace

positive attitudes towards menstruation among female senior secondary school students in Udenu local government area.

Udenu local government area of Enugu State is the location of the study. The local government area is bounded on the North and East by Benue State and Isi-Uzo local government area respectively which makes it a gate way to great Northern Nigeria. In the West and South of the local government areas, are Igbo Eze South and Nsukka local government area. The people are hardworking both in education and commerce. There are popular markets called Orie and Afor situated at Orba and Obollo where the local government headquarters is situated, where female adolescents do hawk and engage in other businesses. Most of them are exposed to poor menstrual hygiene due to inadequate facilities such as water supply, good toilets and adequate rooms for change of absorbents. This situation makes menstruating girls in the market to wear one absorbent till night. The girls cannot take their baths regularly or change absorbents 3-4 times daily. This is because, there is no water supply in the market and no toilet facility or hidden areas where to change absorbents. These practices are unhygienic. Poor hygiene practices increase vulnerability to reproductive tract infections such as bacterial vaginiosis (BV) and vulvovaginal candidacies (VVC). In view of this, the study on the attitude to and practice of menstrual hygiene among female senior secondary students in Udenu local government area of Enugu state became necessary.

Statement of the Problem

Senior female secondary school students are young persons full of activities and are growing very fast. This constitutes a vulnerable group not only with respect to their social status but in relation to their health. This means that the group requires adequate hygiene  for  their  growth  and  development.  Maintenance  of  adequate  and  proper cleanliness  especially  during  menstrual  periods  will  be  their  priority  using  proper menstrual  products  such  as  sanitary pads, tampons,  napkins  among others. The girls suppose to change soiled absorbents, dispose them hygienically and wash hands properly and regularly as they are likely to contract infections if precautionary measures are not adhered to strictly.

In many parts of the developing countries including Nigeria, a culture of silence surrounds the topic of menstruation and related issues; as a result, many young girls lack appropriate and sufficient measures regarding menstrual hygiene. This has resulted in using of old cloths and drying of cloths in damp places, during menstrual period, which have  also  caused  vaginal infections, urinary and  reproductive  tract infections.  A key priority  for  women  or  girls  is  to  have  the  necessary  personal  hygiene  facilities  and cultural   environment  to  manage   menstruation   hygienically   with  dignity.  Yet  the importance of menstrual hygiene is mostly neglected by some cultures which Udenu local government  area  may  be  inclusive.  This  situation  is  worrisome  and  underscores  the robust scientific  research  in order to better understand  the attitude to and practice of menstrual hygiene among female adolescents in Udenu local government area of Enugu state. This was crux of the study.

Purpose of the Study

The  purpose  of  the  study  was  to  determine  the  attitude  to  and  practice  of menstrual hygiene among female senior secondary school students in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu state. Specifically, the study was set to find out:

1.         attitude of senior  female  secondary school students  towards personal  hygiene during menstruation.

2.         attitude of senior female secondary school students towards selection of menstrual absorbents during menstruation.

3.         attitude of senior female secondary school students towards disposal of menstrual absorbents during menstruation.

4.         attitude of  senior female secondary school students towards storage of menstrual hygiene material during menstruation.

5.         practice of  personal hygiene during menstruation among senior female secondary school students.

6.         practice of selection of menstrual absorbents during menstruation among senior female secondary school students.

7.         practice of  disposal of menstrual absorbents during menstruation among senior female secondary school students .

8.         practice of    storage of menstrual hygiene material during menstruation among senior female secondary school students .

9.         attitude of  senior female secondary school students towards menstrual hygiene according to age.

10.       practice of  senior female secondary school students towards menstrual hygiene according to age.

Research Question

To guide this study, the following research questions have been posed

1.         What is the attitude of senior female secondary school students towards personal hygiene during menstruation?

2.         What is the attitude of senior female secondary school students towards selection of absorbents during menstruation?

3.         What is the attitude of senior female secondary school students towards disposal of menstrual absorbents during menstruation?

4.         What is the attitude of senior female secondary school students towards storage of menstrual hygiene material during menstruation?

5.         What are the practices of personal hygiene during menstruation  among senior female secondary school student?

6.         What are the practices of selection of menstrual absorbents during menstruation among senior female secondary school students?

7.         What are the practices of disposal of menstrual absorbents during menstruation among senior female secondary school students?

8.         What   are   the  practices   of  storage   of  menstrual   hygiene   material   during menstruation among senior female secondary school students?

9.         What is the attitude of senior female secondary school students towards menstrual hygiene according to age?

10.       What  are  the  practices  of  senior  female  secondary  school  students  towards menstrual hygiene according to age?

Hypotheses

The following null hypotheses were postulated to guide the study and were tested at .05 level of significant.

1.         There is no significant difference in the mean attitude of senior female secondary school students towards menstrual hygiene based on age.

2.         There  is  no  significant  difference  in  the practice  of senior  female  secondary school students towards menstrual hygiene based on age.

Significance of the Study

The findings from attitude to and practice of menstrual hygiene among senior female  secondary  school  students  will  be  of  imminence  value  to  secondary  school students, health educators, parents, counselors, health based establishment, Non- governmental organizations and ministry of education. For example, positive personal hygiene attitudes will help to improve menstrual hygiene practices. It will be beneficial to students and ministry of education. This will help students to know how to take proper care of their bodies and protect themselves from health problems. It will also help the ministry of education in curriculum planning, reformation and development.

The  findings  when  published  will  reveal  the  positive  and  negative  attitude towards selection of absorbents during menstruation. The information will be beneficial to Health Educators. It will enable them to inculcate or impart knowledge concerning positive  attitudes  towards  selection  of  proper  absorbent  during  menstruation  to  the students which will help them to make wise decision in terms of choosing absorbents that may suit them. The information will also be of immense benefit to non-governmental organizations that are concerned with menstrual hygiene product initiatives. It will help them to encourage desirable practices while making choice of absorbents by females.

The findings in attitude towards disposal will help environmental health workers and other health based establishments. This will enable them to understand the disposal attitude of senior female secondary school students during menstruation which will guide them  in  providing  appropriate  interventions  and  disposal  facilities  in  schools.  The findings will also be favourable to secondary school counselors who will use the report to provide counseling services that will encourage positive attitudes among the students.

The findings  on  the  attitude of the senior female secondary students  towards storage of menstrual hygiene products during menstruation will be beneficial to female adolescents. It will provide better information on how to store unused absorbents which in turn help in preventing or reducing the contraction of micro organisms that may result to infections such as urinary tract infections, virginal discharge and virginities among the adolescent girls.

Again, the findings on the menstrual hygiene practices of senior female secondary school students regarding personal hygiene will be beneficial to the health educators and the counselors.  The health educators  use  it to disseminate  information  regarding  the important  of personal hygiene. The counselors  use  the report  to  encourage  desirable practices among students. It will also be beneficial to the adolescent girls as they will be abreast of the desirable personal hygiene.

Furthermore,  the findings  will also  reveal the practices  regarding selection  of

absorbents during menstruation  among senior female secondary school students. This report will be useful to parents. They will use the information to guide their children on proper selection of absorbents depending on the nature of flow of blood during menstruation.   The   findings   and   recommendations   will   also   be   useful   to   non- governmental  organizations  that  are  concerned  with  hygiene  product  initiatives.  The report  will help  them to  organize workshops,  seminars  and other programs  that  will encourage desirable practices on menstrual hygiene product selection.

The  findings  on  the  practices  regarding  disposal  will  be beneficial  to  Health educators and teachers. They will use the information or the recommendation to guide and encourage students and female adolescents to adhere strictly on desirable disposal methods that will help them to avoid negative health implications that may emanate from improper disposal of menstrual wastes. The findings will also be useful to environmental health officers. They will use it to encourage people to adopt the necessary waste management control methods to avoid polluting and degrading the environment which may constitute health hazards by disposing menstrual wastes accordingly. The teachers will also use the report to teach and reinforce students on the important of sanitation.

In  addition,  the  finding  on  the  practices  of  senior  female  secondary  school students  towards  storage  will be useful  immensely  to  students. The  information  will

expose them on the desirable and undesirable practices regarding storage of menstrual products. The result will also encourage them to adopt desirable facilities necessary for storage  which  protect  them  from  infections.  It  will  also  help  them  to  keep  unused absorbents safely from being contaminated.

The summary of the research findings on the attitude of senior secondary school students towards menstrual hygiene according to age will be beneficial to teachers and school counselors.  The  information  will help  the  teachers  to  educate  and  re-channel students’  attitude  towards  menstruation.  It  will  help  to  encourage  desirable  attitude among students. The report will also guide the school counselors on the areas that should be emphasized during counseling.

The findings on the practices of senior secondary school students regarding menstrual hygiene according to age will be useful to school counselors, health educators and teachers. They will use the report to re-sensitize the adolescents towards change of behaviour  thereby  reducing  the  rate  of  transmission  of  micro-organisms  that  might emanate from poor menstrual hygiene.

In the area of Health Belief Model, Senior Female Secondary School Students who perceive benefit of menstrual hygiene are likely to indulge practices which can not cause problems related to poor menstrual hygiene such as irritation, itching and many more. And those who do not perceive benefit of menstrual hygiene are likely to indulge in practices which can cause problems such as infections like Vulvovaginal candidacies (VVC) and bacterial vaginiosis (BV).

Finally, in the theories of planned behaviour and reasoned action, Senior Female Secondary School Students who have intention to maintain healthy menstrual cycle are likely to practice changing of menstrual absorbents regularly, washing of hands before and after changing of menstrual absorbents, taking bath regularly and many more during menstruation while senior female secondary school students who have no intention of healthy menstrual cycle, may not indulge in these practices which can result into health problems.

Scope of the Study

The study covered senior female secondary school students in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State. This study was concerned with the attitude to and practice of menstrual hygiene among senior female secondary school students. The components within the context of this study consisted of personal hygiene, selection of menstrual absorbents, disposal of menstrual absorbents and storage. The socio- demographic factor of age and its relationship to the menstrual attitude and practice of menstrual hygiene was explored.



This material content is developed to serve as a GUIDE for students to conduct academic research


ATTITUDE TO AND PRACTICE OF MENSTRUAL HYGIENE AMONG FEMALE SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN UDENU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA ENUGU STATE.

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