Menstrual Hygiene Management Practices Among Adolescent Girls in the Kassena Nankana East Municipality

Abstract

Adolescent girls may enter into menarche without any basic information about menstruation. This can make it challenging for them to efficiently manage their periods. It can also result in low confidence levels and deny them the free will to participate in social activities. This study, examined menstrual hygiene management practices and adolescents’ social interactions in the Kassena Nankana East Municipality of the Upper East Region of Ghana. The study used qualitative design, adopting the interpretivist paradigm. Data from adolescent girls aged 10 to 19 were gathered through in-depth interviews and focus groups. The analysis was presented with text and quotations using the thematic approach. The results found reports of dysmenorrhea among menstruating girls, inadequate knowledge prior to menarche, lack of financial support for girls to purchase menstrual hygiene products, inadequate WASH facilities and widespread socio-cultural misconception about menstruation and menstrual blood. It was also found that menstruation restricts girls’ social interactions and school attendance. The findings highlight the need for the provision of credible information on menstruation, WASH facilities and proper financial support to be able to buy basic hygiene products for both in-and-out of school girls. Provision of free sanitary pads for in school adolescent girls is particularly essential.