“If I use pad, I feel comfortable and safe”: a mixed-method analysis of knowledge, attitude, and practice of menstrual hygiene management among in-school adolescent girls in a Nigerian city

Abstract

Background Adolescence is a pivotal stage in human development that presents unique challenges, especially for girls navigating the complexities of menstruation. Despite the importance of menstrual hygiene management for adolescent girls’ well-being, this vital aspect of personal health is often overlooked, particularly in regions where cultural stigma prevails. This study examines knowledge, attitude, and practice of menstrual hygiene management among in-school adolescent girls in Abuja, Nigeria. Methods The study employed a cross-sectional mixed-method design, integrating quantitative surveys with focus group discussions. A survey was conducted among 420 adolescent girls across four government junior secondary schools through a multistage sampling technique. Also, Focus Group Discussions were conducted among 80 respondents in groups of 10 discussants. The quantitative data set was subjected to descriptive and inferential statistical analysis, while the qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. Results Findings revealed that the majority (53.45%) of the respondents had good knowledge of menstruation and menstrual hygiene management. Junior Secondary School (JSS) 3 students [OR = 2,09; 95% CI = 1.24–3.52] and those who started menstruation at age 15 years and above [OR = 7.52; 95% CI = 1.43–39.49] were associated with increased odds of having good knowledge of menstrual hygiene management. The attitude of most respondents (70.08%) towards menstrual hygiene management was good. Those in the JSS 3 class [OR = 6.47; 95% CI = 3.34–12.54], respondents who are Muslim [OR = 2.29; 95% CI = 1.63–5.48], and those whose parents had tertiary education [OR = 3.58; 95% CI = 1.25–10.25] were more likely to demonstrate more positive attitudes compared to their counterparts whose parents do not have tertiary education. In relation to practice, about 3 in 5 (57.80%) reportedly practise good menstrual hygiene management. Respondents who practice traditional religion [OR = 0.33; 95% CI = 0.02–4.56] were less likely to practise good menstrual hygiene management, while respondents who are the third child of their parents [OR = 2.09; 95% CI = 1.04–4.23] were more likely to practise menstrual hygiene compared to respondents with other birth orders. Qualitative results showed that participants had good knowledge of menstruation and menstrual hygiene management, and mothers were the main source of menstruation-related information. Participants had mixed feelings and reactions during their first menstruation, with 3 in 5 participants reporting experiencing menstruation-related stigma restrictions when menstruating. Conclusions In-school adolescent girls in Abuja, Nigeria, have good menstruation-related knowledge and positive attitudes, as well as practise menstrual hygiene management. Students’ class and age at first menstruation were major factors associated with good knowledge of menstruation and menstrual hygiene management; respondents’ class, religion and parents’ educational qualification were associated with a positive attitude, while respondents’ religion and parity line were associated with menstrual hygiene practice. Future interventions should focus on conducting school and community-level awareness programs to increase knowledge and dispel myths and misconceptions about menstruation and menstrual hygiene management.