Perceptions and practices on menstruation amongst Nigerian secondary school girls.

TLDR

The study aimed to assess perceptions, problems, and practices related to menstruation among 550 secondary school girls in southeastern Nigeria. A cross‑sectional descriptive design was used, and the authors recommend a multi‑dimensional strategy involving capacity building of mothers and teachers, religious organizations, and mass media to improve menstrual knowledge and practices. Among the respondents, 75.6% were aged 15‑17, only 39.3% viewed menstruation as physiological, abdominal pain was reported by 66.2%, most discussed problems with mothers (47.1%) and used analgesics (75.6%), yet 55.7% used unsanitary absorbents and only 10% employed non‑pharmacologic remedies, reflecting poor perceptions and incorrect practices.

Abstract

This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted amongst 550 secondary school girls in southeastern Nigeria to determine their perceptions, problems, and practices on menstruation. Majority of the students, (75.6%), were aged 15-17 years. Only 39.3% perceived menstruation to be physiological. Abdominal pain/discomfort, (66.2%), was the commonest medical problem encountered by the respondents, although 45.8% had multiple problems. Medical problems were most commonly discussed with the mother, (47.1%), and least commonly discussed with the teachers, 0.4%. Analgesics, (75.6%), were most commonly used to relieve menstrual pain. Only 10% of respondents used non-pharmacologic remedies. Unsanitary menstrual absorbents were used by 55.7% of the respondents. Menstruation perceptions are poor, and practices often incorrect. A multi-dimensional approach focusing on capacity building of mothers, and teachers on sexuality education skills; using religious organizations as avenues for sexuality education; and effectively using the Mass Media as reproductive health education channels are recommended towards improving adolescents' perceptions and practices on menstruation.