KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF MENSTRUAL HYGIENE AMONG FEMALE ADOLESCENT

ABSTRACT

The onset of menstruation represents a landmark event in the pubertal development of adolescent girls. Hence, this study assessed the knowledge, attitude and practice of menstrual hygiene among female adolescent students in Egor L.G.A, Edo State. The study is a crosssectional survey research design and was conducted among a target population of 851 female adolescent students of Iyoba Girls College, Egor Local Government Area, Benin City, Edo State. However, a sample size of 270 female adolescent students from the study population was selected using simple random sampling technique. Self-structured questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection which was validated by the researcher’s supervisor and three other experts taking into consideration the face and content validity of the instrument. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentages and mean as well as Chi-square statistics were used to analyze the data obtained. Results of the study revealed that the respondents have a fair knowledge of menstrual hygiene but however exhibited negative attitude and poor level of practice towards menstrual hygiene. The study concluded that for the level of menstrual hygiene practice among female adolescent students to be enhanced, their knowledge and attitude towards menstrual hygiene must be improved as well. The study further recommended that there should be relevant health education by health personnel to enlighten adolescents on the importance of menstrual hygiene to health. Also, it was recommended that schools need to focus on making the school environment conducive to managing menstrual hygiene.