CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
In its broadest sense, adolescence refers to the phase that signifies the transition from childhood to adulthood. Traditionally, this phase typically covers the ages between 12 and 18, which roughly corresponds to the period from the onset of puberty (i.e., specific hormonal changes) to achieving independence from guardians (i.e., the legal definition of "adulthood" in many countries) (Dahl, 2004). Adolescence often coincides with puberty, a biological process characterized by a combination of events that are influenced by heightened levels of adrenal and gonadal hormones. These events include the development of secondary sexual characteristics and alterations in muscle and fat distribution (Spear, 2000). This phase is associated with an increased inclination towards risk-taking behaviors and heightened emotional reactivity (Casey et al., 2008).
Adolescence in girls is widely acknowledged as a crucial phase in their life cycle that necessitates specific and focused attention (Dinesh et al., 2014). One of the most significant changes experienced by girls during their adolescent years is the onset of menstruation. The first occurrence of menstruation, known as menarche, typically takes place between the ages of 11 and 15, with an average age of 13 (Dasgupta and Sarkar, 2008).
Adolescent girls are considered a vulnerable group, especially in India where female children are often neglected. Menstruation is accompanied by various psychological and religious barriers. Many girls living in slum areas are unaware of what actually happens during the menstrual cycle. Their reactions to menstruation depend on their level of awareness and knowledge about the subject. How a girl learns about menstruation and its associated changes can influence her response to the occurrence of menarche (Dasgupta and Sarkar, 2008). Although menstruation is a natural process, it is associated with various community perceptions and practices that can sometimes lead to negative health outcomes (Shamima et al., 2013).
Maintaining proper hygiene during menstruation is an essential aspect of a woman's life. Different factors related to the physiology, pathology, and psychology of menstruation has been found to influence the health and well-being of women, making it a significant issue concerning female morbidity and mortality (Bachloo et al., 2016). During this period, women are considered most vulnerable to developing reproductive tract infections, urinary tract infections, and various sexually transmitted diseases. Currently, millions of women suffer from reproductive tract infections and their complications, with the infection often being transmitted to the offspring of pregnant mothers (Dasgupta and Sarkar, 2008).
Menstrual hygiene addresses the specific healthcare needs and requirements of women during their monthly menstrual cycle (Barathalakshmi et al., 2014). The United Nations defines adequate menstrual hygiene management as the use of clean materials to absorb or collect menstrual blood, which can be changed in privacy as often as necessary during the menstruation period. It also involves using soap and water for personal hygiene and having access to facilities for proper disposal of used menstrual materials (Sommer and Sahin, 2013). Particularly in impoverished countries, girls and women face significant obstacles in achieving adequate menstrual management (Kuhlmann et al., 2017).
Teachers play a significant role in shaping the minds of children and leaving a positive impact. However, the topic of menstrual hygiene is rarely addressed in the school curriculum. This absence of comprehensive menstrual health education programs in schools and communities leads to the perpetuation of myths and hampers the adoption of proper menstrual hygiene practices. It is worth noting that menstrual hygiene is also included in the Millennium Development Goals.
Women who possess better knowledge about menstrual hygiene and safe practices are less susceptible to reproductive tract infections (RTIs) and their consequences. Therefore, promoting increased awareness about menstruation starting from childhood can encourage the adoption of safe practices and alleviate the suffering experienced by millions of women (Sharma et al., 2017).
Based on the aforementioned background, this study was conducted to examine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls in community secondary schools in Nigeria.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Understanding menstruation and practicing proper menstrual hygiene are crucial for the dignity and well-being of girls and women in general (Supply and Council, 2013; UNICEF, 2008). Regardless of cultural background, age, or marital status, adolescents require accurate and comprehensive information about their bodily structure, functions, and other aspects of sexual and reproductive health. Making poorly informed choices and adopting inadequate practices can have significant long-term negative effects on their reproductive health (Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, 2016).
On the other hand, possessing accurate knowledge about menstruation and following hygienic practices during this time has a positive impact on various areas covered by the sustainable development goals, including health, education, gender equality, and water and sanitation (Garba et al., 2018). Evidence indicates that inadequate personal hygiene and unsafe sanitary conditions primarily contribute to gynecological problems among adolescent girls (Shanbhag et al., 2012).
There have been numerous documented cases of infections caused by inadequate menstrual hygiene practices (Thakre et al., 2011; Dinesh et al., 2014). The use of unclean or improperly dried cloth napkins, as well as the frequent reuse of such napkins, has been associated with hidden microorganisms and vaginal infections. Additionally, the improper disposal of menstrual absorbents has contributed to the growing urban waste problem in developing countries (Ten, 2007).
Due to the insufficient premenarcheal information provided to many girls, they are ill-prepared to manage their menstruation effectively. This lack of comprehensive and age-appropriate education leads to potential physical discomfort, social stigma, and limitations in their daily lives.
In light of these challenges, it is crucial to address the knowledge gaps, misconceptions, and poor menstrual hygiene practices among adolescent girls, particularly those attending community secondary schools in Nigeria. However, there is a limited amount of research conducted in this specific context, highlighting the need for further investigation.
Therefore, this study aims to fill this research gap by examining the current situation of menstrual hygiene knowledge, attitudes, and practices among adolescent in community secondary schools in Nigeria.
1.3 Aim of the Study
The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls in community secondary schools in Nigeria.
1.4 Objectives of the Study
The specific objectives of this study are:
- To assess the level of knowledge about menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls in community secondary schools in Nigeria.
- To examine the attitudes of adolescent girls towards menstrual hygiene In Nigeria.
- To determine the current practices of adolescent girls in community secondary schools in Nigeria regarding menstrual hygiene management.
- To explore the relationship between knowledge, attitudes, and practices of menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls in community secondary schools in Nigeria.
1.5 Research Questions
The research questions that will guide this study are:
- What is the level of knowledge about menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls in community secondary schools?
- What are the attitudes of adolescent girls in community secondary schools in Nigeria towards menstrual hygiene?
- What are the current practices of adolescent girls in community secondary schools in Nigeria regarding menstrual hygiene management?
- Is there a relationship between knowledge, attitudes, and practices of menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls in community secondary schools in Nigeria?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
H0: There is no significant relationship between knowledge, attitudes, and practices of menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls in community secondary schools.
Ha: There is a significant relationship between knowledge, attitudes, and practices of menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls in community secondary schools.
1.7 Justification of the Study
This study is important as it will provide valuable insights into the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of menstrual hygiene among adolescent in community secondary schools. The findings can contribute to the development of targeted interventions and educational programs to promote proper menstrual hygiene management, improve girls' health outcomes, and enhance their educational experiences. The study will also contribute to the existing literature on menstrual hygiene and adolescent health in the context of community secondary schools.
1.8 Scope of the Study
The scope of this study is to examine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of menstrual hygiene management among adolescent in community secondary schools in Nigeria. It aims to assess their understanding of menstrual hygiene, their attitudes towards it, and the practices they adopt in managing their menstrual cycles. It is important to note that the findings of this study may not be applicable or generalizable to other regions or populations.
