SOCIOECONOMIC DETERMINANTS OF MENSTRUAL HYGIENE PRACTICES AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL ADOLESCENT GIRLS IN REDEEMER’S UNIVERSITY STAFF SCHOOL, EDE, OSUN STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Menstrual hygiene refers to the practices employed by adolescent girls in managing their periods, which are important for promoting physical well-being and optimal self-confidence. The study assessed the socioeconomic determinants of menstrual hygiene practices among secondary school adolescent girls at Redeemer’s University Staff School, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria. 

METHODOLOGY: A descriptive research design was utilized; 125 adolescent girls were randomly selected for the study. A validated structured questionnaire with Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient ranged between 0.711 and 0.759. Descriptive statistics were used for the data analysis and inferential chi-square for the hypotheses.

RESULT: Findings from this study revealed that 67 (53.6%) of the respondents were aged 13 to 15years while 27 (21.6%) were in SSS3, 24 (19.2%) in SSS2 and 22 (17.6%) in SSS1, 21 (16.8%) in JSS 3, 20 (16.0%) in JSS 2, and 11 (8.8%) in JSS 1; students’ parental occupation was predominantly professional 45 (36.0%), 41 (32.8%) were civil servants while 25 (20.0) were traders and 12 (9.6%) unemployed. However, sociological factors such as inadequate access to water and soap (76 (85.4%, p = 0.058) and no clean toilet facilities 78 (94.0%), skin sensitivity to certain sanitary pads (60.0%), and concerns about menstrual odour influence menstrual hygiene practices (52.0%) were significant. Similarly, economic factors played a significant relationship with menstrual hygiene practices as some of the respondents 19 (59.4%, p=0.000) saved out of pocket to buy sanitary pads.

CONCLUSION: It is vital for the school management to improve school sanitation and enhance the provision of free or subsidized sanitary pads in order to promote effective menstrual practices. Nurses and health professionals should increase awareness to educate adolescents and advocate for better school health services. Health institutions should conduct outreach programs and collaborate with schools for menstrual health education. Communities should raise awareness, dispel stigma, and support open discussions on menstrual hygiene.

Keywords: Adolescents, Economic Factors, Knowledge, Menstrual hygiene Practices, Sociological Factors