The Increasing Cost of Sanitary Products and the Potential Impact on Menstrual Hygiene Management Practices in Ghana

Asumah, Mubarick Nungbaso; Iddrisu, Osman Abu; Yariga, Faustina Yin; Atuga, Albert Ajapoak; Abdulai, Abdul Malik

doi:10.9734/ajmah/2023/v21i5810

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 7 publications

(15 reference statements)

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“…Previous studies in Ghana have highlighted inadequate menstrual hygiene management materials and facilities in school setups [6,10]. A pragmatic approach to addressing menstruation-related school absenteeism in Ghana would be for government and relevant authorities to reintroduce free sanitary pads to school girls [15,27].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Menstruation-Related School Absenteeism: An Urban Centre Study in the Northern Region of Ghana

Asumah,

Adnani,

Dzantor

et al. 2023

Women

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Menstruation-related school absenteeism significantly affects girls’ academic progress and general wellbeing. This study aimed to assess menstruation-related school absenteeism in an urban population in the Northern Region of Ghana. A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of school absenteeism among girls using a structured questionnaire, which was pretested. The data were analyzed using Stata 16. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including cross-tabulation, the chi-square test, and binary logistic regression, were performed. The majority (59%) was between the ages of 15 and 19 years. Approximately one fifth of all respondents missed school during menstruation. Reasons assigned to missing school were menstrual pains (57%), stained clothes (43%), heavy bleeding (40%), and self-stigmatization (2%). The majority (95%) of respondents used some form of materials to absorb menstrual blood. About 88% of respondents used sanitary pads, 11% used cloth, and 1% used tissues to absorb their menstrual blood. The multivariable analysis showed that school girls < 15 years old (AOR: 3.69, 95% CI: 2.02–6.73), first year of Junior High School (AOR: 4.68, 95% CI: 2.14–10.22), and public school (AOR: 3.57, 95% CI: 1.83–6.94) were associated with increased odds of menstruation-related school absenteeism. Menstruation-related school absenteeism is considered high and could affect girls’ educational attainment. School absenteeism due to menstruation, particularly in public schools, warrants attention by the Ghana Education Service.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Menstruation-Related School Absenteeism: An Urban Centre Study in the Northern Region of Ghana

Asumah,

Adnani,

Dzantor

et al. 2023

Women

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“…Some teenagers wait until their menstrual cycle is finished at home due to the growing costs of sanitary pads. This shows that people in many parts of India cannot afford clean items, preventing them from properly managing their menstrual hygiene [16]. A pack of monthly pads is equivalent to four plastic bags due to a pad's estimated 90% plastic content.…”

Section: Initiatives Adopted For Better Menstrual Hygiene Practicesmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Review on Initiatives for Promoting Better Menstrual Hygiene Practices and Management in India

Kumari,

Muneshwar

2023

Cureus

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Management of hygiene during menstruation is severely affected by the continued existence of several societal, cultural, and religious restrictions on menstruation and menstruation practices. Since they are frequently unprepared and unaware of their periods, especially in rural regions of the country, girls face a variety of hurdles and problems at home, in school, and at work. We observed from examining the studies that managing menstrual hygiene is affected by a lack of personal sanitation and inadequate, erroneous, or partial understanding of menstruation. Women either possess zero or minimal knowledge about genital infections, which are caused by poor personal hygiene during menstruation. Women in rural areas frequently lack access to sanitary items and have inadequate understanding of their sorts and applications, or cannot afford the high cost of such products. Females in rural areas must use washable cotton pads because of this, which they must use repeatedly. The requirements and desires of teenage girls and women continue to be disregarded, despite substantial developments in the water and sanitation industries. Menstrual products are disposed of in domestic garbage and public facilities when women are outside, while they are flushed down toilets at home without considering the risk of choking. Because of this, there should be a need to inform and educate individuals about the health risks and environmental problems connected to them. Reduced trash may be achieved by using modern techniques like incineration. Therefore, the importance of using natural or reusable sanitary products should be emphasized.

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The Increasing Cost of Sanitary Products and the Potential Impact on Menstrual Hygiene Management Practices in Ghana

Cited by 2 publications

References 7 publications

Menstruation-Related School Absenteeism: An Urban Centre Study in the Northern Region of Ghana

Menstruation-Related School Absenteeism: An Urban Centre Study in the Northern Region of Ghana

A Review on Initiatives for Promoting Better Menstrual Hygiene Practices and Management in India

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