Cambodian girls' recommendations for facilitating menstrual hygiene management in school

2013 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 612-622 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Connolly ◽  
Marni Sommer
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
School Environment ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Comparative Case Study ◽  
Teaching Methodologies ◽  
Menstrual Hygiene ◽  
Menstrual Hygiene Management ◽  
Hygiene Management ◽  
Sanitation And Hygiene

Inadequate school water and sanitation facilities in many low-income countries, including Cambodia, are problematic for pubescent girls as they reach menarche and must subsequently manage monthly menses while attending school. This comparative case study explored girls' own suggestions for improving the pubertal guidance they receive in the classroom, and for modifications of existing school water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities in order to better meet schoolgirls' menstrual hygiene management needs. Key findings included girls' recommendations for teaching methodologies that encourage questions and practical content regarding puberty and menstrual management before the onset of menarche, and WASH-specific recommendations for the increased availability of water and sanitary materials in toilet stalls and greater privacy from boys and other girls. Incorporating girls' recommendations into WASH, health and education related policy and programming in low-income countries would allow girls to comfortably and confidently manage menses within the school environment.

Girls' and women's unmet needs for menstrual hygiene management (MHM): the interactions between MHM and sanitation systems in low-income countries

2013 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 283-297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marni Sommer ◽  
Marianne Kjellén ◽  
Chibesa Pensulo
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Unmet Needs ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Personal Hygiene ◽  
Menstrual Hygiene ◽  
Menstrual Hygiene Management ◽  
Hygiene Management ◽  
Women And Girls ◽  
Sanitation Systems ◽  
Proper Disposal

While the sanitation sector is gaining increased recognition in policy and research, its inherent inter-linkage with menstrual hygiene management remains an under-researched subject. This review explores knowledge about menstrual beliefs and behaviors, and how women and girls currently handle their monthly menses in relation to existing sanitation systems in low-income countries. It further explores how used menstrual materials are disposed of, and the consequences of different disposal practices for the functioning of sanitation systems. Conclusions point towards the inadequacy of research in the area of menstrual management. The lack of privacy and space for changing, cleaning, drying or discarding materials, as well as insufficient availability of water for personal hygiene stand out as important areas where sanitation systems often fail to cater to the needs of menstruating girls and women. Information on proper disposal of menstrual materials as well as the actual provision of disposal facilities are important for improving menstrual management and ensuring that absorption materials do not impair the functioning of sanitation systems. Training of sanitation system designers and planners with regard to menstrual management could lead to sanitation systems becoming more inclusive of the full needs of all people.

scholarly journals Menstrual hygiene in Ugandan schools: an investigation of low-cost sanitary pads

2012 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 50-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tracey Crofts ◽  
Julie Fisher
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Menstrual Hygiene ◽  
Menstrual Hygiene Management ◽  
Sanitation And Hygiene ◽  
Sanitary Pads ◽  
Water Provision ◽  
Operation And Management

Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is a largely overlooked issue in the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sector. Every day, millions of menstruating girls and women in low-income countries struggle to find clean water for washing, private places for changing and adequate blood absorbing materials. This study aims to explore the difficulties experienced by schoolgirls in Uganda in managing menstrual hygiene and investigates the extent to which low-cost sanitary pads are part of the solution. Low-cost sanitary pads, either re-usable or disposable, are a timely, simple and innovative means of improving menstrual hygiene and of addressing a broader set of problems related to MHM in schools. Other factors highlighted are: pain relief, education, safe water provision, clean and private latrines, hygienic and secure bathing facilities, use of soap, sealed waste disposal points, private drying places, anal cleansing materials and effective facility operation and management strategies.

scholarly journals Menstrual Hygiene Practice among Adolescent Girls in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Biniyam Sahiledengle ◽  
Daniel Atlaw ◽  
Abera Kumie ◽  
Yohannes Tekalegn ◽  
Demelash Woldeyohannes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Menstrual Hygiene ◽  
Menstrual Hygiene Management ◽  
Hygiene Management ◽  
Open Access Journals

Abstract Background: Adolescent girls face several challenges relating to menstruation and its proper management. Lack of adequate sanitary products, inadequate water supply, and privacy for changing sanitary pads continue to leave adolescent girls with limited options for safe and proper menstrual hygiene in many low-income settings, including Ethiopia. These situations are also compounded by societal myths, stigmas surrounding menstruation, and discriminatory social norms. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled proportion of safe menstrual hygiene management among adolescent girls in Ethiopia using the available studies. Methods: We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, African Journal Online (AJOL), Hinari, Science Direct, ProQuest, Direct of Open Access Journals, POPLINE, and Cochrane Library database inception to May 31, 2021. Studies reporting the proportion of menstrual hygiene management among adolescent girls in Ethiopia were considered. The Cochrane Q test statistics and I2 tests were used to assess the heterogeneity of the included studies. Since the included studies revealed considerable heterogeneity, a random effect meta-analysis model was used to estimate the pooled proportion of safe MHM. Results: Of 1,045 identified articles, 22 studies were eligible for analysis (n=12,330 participants). The overall pooled proportion (PP) of safe MHM in Ethiopia was 52.69% (95%CI: 44.16, 61.22). The use of commercial menstrual absorbents was common 64.63% (95%CI: 55.32, 73.93, I2 99.2%) followed by homemade cloth 53.03% (95%CI: 22.29,83.77, I2 99.2%). Disposal of absorbent material into the latrine was the most common practice in Ethiopia 62.18% (95%CI:52.87,71.49, I298.7%). One in four girls reported missing one or more school days during menstruation (PP: 32.03%, 95%CI: 22.65%, 41.40%, I2 98.2%). Conclusion: This study revealed that only half of the adolescent girls in Ethiopia had safe MHM practices. To ensure that girls in Ethiopia can manage menstruation hygienically and with dignity, strong gender-specific water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities along with strong awareness creation activities at every level are needed.

scholarly journals Acceptability and feasibility of using vaginal menstrual cups among schoolgirls in rural Nepal: a qualitative pilot study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Diksha Pokhrel ◽  
Sabina Bhattarai ◽  
Malin Emgård ◽  
Michael von Schickfus ◽  
Birger C. Forsberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Single Class ◽  
Menstrual Hygiene ◽  
Menstrual Hygiene Management ◽  
Hygiene Management ◽  
Conventional Content Analysis ◽  
Rural Nepal ◽  
Purposive Sample

Abstract Introduction Menstrual hygiene management can be challenging in low-income settings and among school-aged girls due to traditional beliefs, lack of knowledge and information on best hygienic practices, and limited access to appropriate and affordable menstrual hygiene products. An alternative method for menstrual hygiene management, instead of sanitary pads or tampons, is the vaginal menstrual cup. As evidence on the use of menstrual cups is relatively limited, this study aimed to explore the acceptability and feasibility of using vaginal menstrual cups among school-aged girls in Thokarpa, Sindupalchowk, Nepal. Methods This is an exploratory study based on four focus group discussions with a purposive sample of 28 schoolgirls between 13 and 19 years of age who were provided with vaginal menstrual cups in Thokarpa, Sindupalchowk, Nepal. The data were collected between February and March 2019, i.e. approximately three months after the distribution of the menstrual cup. Participants were included in the study if they had started their menstruation and never given birth. Conventional content analysis was applied. Results Most participants perceived the menstrual cup positively. Not missing a single class in school due to problems related to menstrual hygiene management was described as a major benefit. The participants found using the menstrual cup easy and convenient, and described economic and environmental advantages of using it. Cleaning the menstrual cup did not cause any problems, according to the participants. Discomforts mentioned by the participants were: pain when inserting the menstrual cup, feeling the menstrual cup sticking out of the vagina, feeling a constant urge to urinate and leakage. Concerns were related to the size, shape and texture of the menstrual cup, and that it may “get stuck” in the vagina, while relatives were said to be concerned about the use of the menstrual cup leading to reduced fertility or losing virginity. Conclusion The use of vaginal menstrual cups for menstrual hygiene management among schoolgirls in Thokarpa, Sindupalchowk, Nepal, appears feasible and acceptable, as it involves practical, economic and environmental advantages. However, the scale-up of menstrual cups will require resolving described concerns and discomforts and fostering peer and family support.

scholarly journals Cost Implications of Menstrual Hygiene Management in Nigeria and Its Associated Impacts

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esther Ajari ◽  
Temidayo Abass ◽  
Esther Ilesanmi ◽  
Yusuff Adebisi
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Lifetime Cost ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Average Lifetime ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Her Family ◽  
Menstrual Hygiene ◽  
Menstrual Hygiene Management ◽  
Hygiene Management

There has been a steady rise in the recognition of menstrual hygiene management (MHM) as a pressing public health issue due to several advocacy campaigns against its high cost. However, not much of such recognition has been given to it outside the non-profit sector in Nigeria. This is paradoxical considering that most menstruators in Nigeria cannot afford MHM whose cost is considered high even in developed countries. We estimated that the average lifetime cost of MHM in Nigeria is US$1,122.3 per menstruator and US$113.58 billion for the entire menstruating population. Although this cost is relatively lower than in other countries, Nigeria’s low-income level explains why there is a high prevalence of period poverty among menstruators in Nigeria. This commentary highlights the intersected impacts of the cost of MHM and period poverty on the average Nigerian menstruator, his/her family, the economy, the environment and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. To alleviate the discussed negative effects, we suggested, as a key recommendation, the national shift from the use of disposable MHM products to that of reusable ones.

scholarly journals Qualitative study exploring the barriers to menstrual hygiene management faced by adolescents and young people with a disability, and their carers in the Kavrepalanchok district, Nepal

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane Wilbur ◽  
Shubha Kayastha ◽  
Thérèse Mahon ◽  
Belen Torondel ◽  
Shaffa Hameed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
People With Disabilities ◽  
User Preference ◽  
Menstrual Hygiene ◽  
Left Behind ◽  
Menstrual Hygiene Management ◽  
Hygiene Management ◽  
Purposeful Sampling ◽  
Educational Issue ◽  
Sanitation And Hygiene ◽  
Support Mechanisms

Abstract Background: Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is a recognised public health, social and educational issue, which must be achieved to allow the realisation of human rights. People with disabilities are likely to experience layers of discrimination when they are menstruating, but little evidence exists.Methods: The study aims to investigate barriers to MHM that people with disabilities and their carers, face in the Kavrepalanchok, Nepal, using qualitative methods. Twenty people with disabilities, aged 15-24, who menstruate and experience ‘a lot of difficulty’ or more across one or more of the Washington Group functional domains were included, as well as 13 carers who provide menstrual support to these individuals. Purposeful sampling was applied to select participants. Different approaches were used to investigating barriers to MHM and triangulate data: in-depth interviews, PhotoVoice and ranking, market survey, product attribute assessment and user preference with ranking, observation of the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities used. We analysed data thematically, using Nvivo 11.Results: Barriers to MHM experienced by people with disabilities differ according to the impairment. Inaccessible WASH facilities were a major challenge for people with mobility, self-care and visual impairments. People with intellectual impairments had difficulty accessing MHM information and their carers despaired when they showed their menstrual blood to others, which could result in abuse. No support mechanisms existed for carers for MHM, who overwhelmed and isolated. Menstrual discomfort was a major challenge; these were managed with home remedies, or not at all. Most participants followed menstrual restrictions, which were widespread and expected, for fear of being cursed if they did not. As disability is often viewed as a curse, this demonstrates the layers of discrimination faced.Conclusion: Issues related to MHM for people with disabilities is more complex than for others in the population due to the additional disability discrimination and impairment experienced. Research exploring these issues must be conducted in different settings, and MHM interventions, tailored for impairment type and carers requirements, must be developed. Attention to, and resourcing for disability inclusive MHM must be prioritised to ensure ‘no one is left behind’.

scholarly journals Menstrual Hygiene Management Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic in Nigeria’s Epicentre: The Reality of Girls and Women in a Low-Income Community

2021 ◽  
pp. 22-29
Author(s):  
David B. Olawade ◽  
Yinka J. Adeniji ◽  
Ojima Z. Wada ◽  
Oluwayomi R. Akosile ◽  
Aderonke Odetayo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Financial Burden ◽  
State Governments ◽  
Systematic Random Sampling ◽  
Tissue Paper ◽  
Menstrual Hygiene ◽  
The Past ◽  
Menstrual Hygiene Management ◽  
Hygiene Management ◽  
Sanitary Pads

Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) is typically a constant reality for post menarche and premenopausal females globally. However, unlike other natural routine physiological experiences, a healthy monthly MHM comes with considerable financial implications. Hence, this study examines the financial ability of girls and women in a Nigerian low-income community to access materials needed for MHM monthly. The possible implication of the COVID-19 pandemic was also considered. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to 130 respondents selected via systematic-random sampling. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. The respondents’ age ranged between 14 to 40 years, while 82.3% worked informal jobs. Half of the respondents reported they were unable to purchase sanitary pads and other items required for monthly MHM. Over 65% of the respondents revealed they suffered anxiety thinking about the financial burden associated with monthly MHM, while about one-third of the respondents were more financially capable before the pandemic. Common alternatives to sanitary pads used were tissue paper, cloth napkins, old sanitary towels, and newspapers. Moreover, 64% of the respondents reported had at least a form of vaginal/urinary tract infection in the past 3 months. The results clearly show that period poverty remains a barrier to achieving gender equality. The fact that 1 out of every 2 females in the study area reportedly suffered period poverty shows the dire need for socio-economic interventions. Local and State Governments must consider subsidizing products required for MHM to improve and maintain the health of girls and women in low-income communities.

scholarly journals Knowledge and practice of menstrual hygiene management among women living in a low-income neighbourhood, Karachi, Pakistan

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 3953
Author(s):  
Ghazala Usman ◽  
Kiran Abbas ◽  
Rimsha Arshad ◽  
Amna Muneer ◽  
Hiba S. Syed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Basic Knowledge ◽  
Menstrual Blood ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Menstrual Hygiene ◽  
Menstrual Hygiene Management ◽  
Hygiene Management

Background: The aim of the study was to determine the degree of awareness and practice of proper menstrual hygiene management among women living in low-income neighbourhood in Karachi, Pakistan.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Bizerta Lines, Karachi between January and June 2019. All women of reproductive age were included in the study. Amenorrheic, menopausal, or women on birth control were excluded from the study. Degree of awareness and current practices pertaining to menstrual hygiene management were assessed through pro-forma. The study tool collected the participant’s knowledge, awareness, and misconceptions about menstruation. The factors affecting the quality of life during menstruation of women living in poor socio-economic conditions were also observed. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS v.23) was used to analyze the collected data.Results: Of the 338 participants, 82.5% had no knowledge of menstruation prior to their first menstrual period. Only a minority of the women knew that the source of menstrual blood was the uterus while 41.4% of the women incorrectly claimed that the menstrual blood and urine were expelled from the same orifice. More than half of the participants used disposable sanitary napkins (55.5%). 65% of the participants changed the absorbent at least 1 to 3 times a day.Conclusions: Most of the participants used disposable sanitary napkins. However, the basic knowledge of female anatomy and physiology behind menstruation was poor among women.

scholarly journals Menstrual hygiene management in schools: midway progress update on the “MHM in Ten” 2014–2024 global agenda

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marni Sommer ◽  
Bethany A. Caruso ◽  
Belen Torondel ◽  
Elodie C. Warren ◽  
Brooke Yamakoshi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
School Environment ◽  
National Level ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Information Support ◽  
Social Entrepreneurs ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Menstrual Hygiene ◽  
Menstrual Hygiene Management ◽  
Country Level ◽  
Hygiene Management

AbstractProgress has been made in recent years to bring attention to the challenges faced by school-aged girls around managing menstruation in educational settings that lack adequate physical environments and social support in low- and middle-income countries. To enable more synergistic and sustained progress on addressing menstruation-related needs while in school, an effort was undertaken in 2014 to map out a vision, priorities, and a ten-year agenda for transforming girls’ experiences, referred to as Menstrual Hygiene Management in Ten (MHM in Ten). The overarching vision is that girls have the information, support, and enabling school environment for managing menstruation with dignity, safety and comfort by 2024. This requires improved research evidence and translation for impactful national level policies. As 2019 marked the midway point, we assessed progress made on the five key priorities, and remaining work to be done, through global outreach to the growing network of academics, non-governmental organizations, advocates, social entrepreneurs, United Nations agencies, donors, and national governments. This paper delineates the key insights to inform and support the growing MHM commitment globally to maximize progress to reach our vision by 2024. Corresponding to the five priorities, we found that (priority 1) the evidence base for MHM in schools has strengthened considerably, (priority 2) global guidelines for MHM in schools have yet to be created, and (priority 3) numerous evidence-based advocacy platforms have emerged to support MHM efforts. We also identified (priority 4) a growing engagement, responsibility, and ownership of MHM in schools among governments globally, and that although MHM is beginning to be integrated into country-level education systems (priority 5), resources are lacking. Overall, progress is being made against identified priorities. We provide recommendations for advancing the MHM in Ten agenda. This includes continued building of the evidence, and expanding the number of countries with national level policies and the requisite funding and capacity to truly transform schools for all students and teachers who menstruate.

scholarly journals Menstrual hygiene practice among adolescent girls in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PLoS ONE ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. e0262295
Author(s):  
Biniyam Sahiledengle ◽  
Daniel Atlaw ◽  
Abera Kumie ◽  
Yohannes Tekalegn ◽  
Demelash Woldeyohannes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Menstrual Hygiene ◽  
Menstrual Hygiene Management ◽  
Hygiene Management ◽  
Open Access Journals

Background Adolescent girls face several challenges relating to menstruation and its proper management. Lack of adequate sanitary products, inadequate water supply, and privacy for changing sanitary pads continue to leave adolescent girls with limited options for safe and proper menstrual hygiene in many low-income settings, including Ethiopia. These situations are also compounded by societal myths, stigmas surrounding menstruation, and discriminatory social norms. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled proportion of safe menstrual hygiene management among adolescent girls in Ethiopia using the available studies. Methods We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, African Journal Online (AJOL), Hinari, Science Direct, ProQuest, Direct of Open Access Journals, POPLINE, and Cochrane Library database inception to May 31, 2021. Studies reporting the proportion of menstrual hygiene management among adolescent girls in Ethiopia were considered. The Cochrane Q test statistics and I2 tests were used to assess the heterogeneity of the included studies. Since the included studies revealed considerable heterogeneity, a random effect meta-analysis model was used to estimate the pooled proportion of menstrual hygiene management (MHM). Results Of 1,045 identified articles, 22 studies were eligible for analysis (n = 12,330 participants). The pooled proportion (PP) of safe MHM in Ethiopia was 52.69% (95%CI: 44.16, 61.22). The use of commercial menstrual absorbents was common 64.63% (95%CI: 55.32, 73.93, I2 99.2%) followed by homemade cloth 53.03% (95%CI: 22.29, 83.77, I2 99.2%). Disposal of absorbent material into the latrine was the most common practice in Ethiopia 62.18% (95%CI: 52.87, 71.49, I2 98.7%). One in four girls reported missing one or more school days during menstruation (PP: 32.03%, 95%CI: 22.65%, 41.40%, I2 98.2%). Conclusion This study revealed that only half of the adolescent girls in Ethiopia had safe MHM practices. To ensure that girls in Ethiopia can manage menstruation hygienically and with dignity, strong gender-specific water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities along with strong awareness creation activities at every level are needed.

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