Menstrual hygiene management (A Study Based on Adolescence Students of Selected Community School in Kirtipur Municipality)

Abstract

Menstrual hygiene management is key indicators to reducing the vulnerability of girls and women to reproductive tract infections (RTIs). The main aim of this study is to examine the menstrual hygiene practices, and management. This study is based on a quantitative research design with census method, utilizing a self-administered, closed-ended questionnaire among adolescent girls from eight selected community schools in Kirtipur Municipality of Kathmandu district. The sample size was determined based on the availability of all eligible girls from selected community schools of grades six to ten. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate linear regression analyses were used to determine the factors associated with menstrual knowledge, practices, and management. The study revealed that nearly half (49%) of the respondents had correct understanding about menstruation. while 51 percent held misconceptions. In terms of menstrual hygiene practices, 98 percent of the respondents reported frequently changing pads during their periods, indicating good hygiene habits. Additionally, 87 percent stated that their schools provided a supportive environment for menstrual hygiene, offering free sanitary pads and other essential facilities. However, despite these supportive measures, more than half (51%) of the respondents reported an inadequate supply of clean water in their schools, highlighting a critical gap in menstrual hygiene management. The study of multiple linear regression explored that, the relationship between menstrual knowledge and various demographic and social. The findings explored that age of respondents has a significant positive effect on both menstrual knowledge (B = 0.02, p < 0.007) and school attendance (B = 0.014, p < 0.05). Respondents of Dalit/Madhesi have significantly higher menstrual knowledge (B = 0.103, p = 0.001) then other group but lower attendance (B = -0.066, p < 0.01) compared to other groups. Similarly, Janajati respondents also presented slightly lower attendance (B = -0.036, p = 0.059). Other factors, such as family type and living conditions, had no significant impact. Analysis explained 47 percent of the variation in school attendance.