Knowledge and Practices of Menstrual Hygiene among Female Undergraduates of Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State

Abstract

Menstrual hygiene management involves continuing regular activities during menstruation. However, lack of effective menstrual hygiene  management can restrict access to health, education and future prospects among girls. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practices of menstrual hygiene among undergraduates of Babcock University. The study was a cross-sectional study, participant were 413 female  undergraduates recruited using convenience sampling. All consenting participants completed a self-administered structured questionnaire while the data management was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Knowledge about menstrual hygiene was 83%, while 53.4% of participants changed absorbent materials twice daily. There was a statistically significant relationship between the age of adolescents and practices of menstrual hygiene (r=0.845, p<0.05). The study concludes that there is need for parents to create time for education as well as financial and psychosocial support to adolescents during menstruation.

Key words: Menstrual practices, menstrual hygiene, menstruation.