European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

MENSTRUAL HYGIENE AND SCHOOL ABSENTEEISM IN RURAL ADOLESCENT GIRLS

Kowsar Yeasmin Khanam*, Sathi Dastidar, Monira Akther Moni and Sharmin Mostofa

ABSTRACT

Menstrual problem and menstrual hygiene management may lead to school absenteeism in adolescent girls. However, much is not documented; school-absenteeism is a common problem among girls in rural Bangladesh. The aim of the study was to assess the status of menstrual hygiene and magnitude of menstruation related school absenteeism in rural adolescent girls. Descriptive type of cross sectional study was carried out among purposively selected 300 nine to H.S.C students of Shitakundo girls high school and Shitakondo women college, Shitakundo, Chittagong from January, 2016 to December, 2016. Data was collected by face to face interview, using pre-tested, semi-structure and interviewer-administered questionnaire. The mean age at menarche was 12.84 ± 0.905 years. Most (78.7%) of the respondents were facing problem during their menstruation. Only one- third (30.3%) of the girls used sanitary napkins as menstrual absorbent. Majority (84.7%) did not change pad in the school/college due to lack of disposal system and insufficient latrine in the school. Two third (64%) of the girls reported they have been absent from school during their menstruation period. There was highly significant association between the menstrual disorder and school absenteeism (χ2=10.355, P =0.001). Menstrual problems, lack of sanitary napkins, insufficient sanitary facilities in the school are the main reasons of school absenteeism.

Keywords: Menstrual hygiene, Menarche, Sanitary napkins, Adolescent school girls.