Knowledge, Attitude, And Practices Regarding Menstrual Hygiene Among Adolescent Senior High School Girls in The Krachi East Municipality of Ghana

Abstract

Background: Menstrual hygiene management is a critical aspect of adolescent health, yet many young girls face challenges due to lack of knowledge, negative attitudes, and inadequate resources. In Krachi East Municipality, Ghana, cultural stigmas and limited access to menstrual hygiene products further exacerbate these issues, impacting the overall well-being and educational opportunities of adolescent girls. Aim: This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls in Krachi East Municipality. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 371 adolescent girls aged 10-19 at three (3) senior high schools in Krachi East Municipality, selected via a multistage sampling. Data was collected through structured questionnaires, analysed using STATA Version 17.0, employing frequency, percentage, chi-square, and binary logistic regression. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: This study found that 73.1% of the respondents had adequate knowledge of menstruation and menstrual hygiene, 57.4% had good attitudes towards menstruation and menstrual hygiene, and 55.3% of the respondents had adequate menstrual hygiene practices. It was found that fathers’ educational level and participants’ attitudes were significantly associated with menstrual hygiene knowledge. Additionally, participants’ age, religion, mothers’ and fathers’ educational levels, as well as their knowledge and practices, were statistically significant factors influencing attitude. Furthermore, ethnicity, family structure, income, and attitude were significantly associated with menstrual hygiene practices. Conclusion: Factors influencing knowledge and practices included parental education, age, and ethnicity. Fathers' education significantly impacted girls' menstrual hygiene knowledge, while older adolescents showed more positive attitudes. Ethnicity also influenced practices, with some groups more likely to follow better hygiene methods. Despite some progress, the study emphasized the need for focused efforts to address misinformation, cultural taboos, and limited resources.