Managing menstruation among adolescents and young women in the municipality of Dangbo (Benin): From reporting to hygiene in school settings

Abstract

Menarche, which occurs in young girls, marks the onset of menstruation. This requires maintaining good personal hygiene. The objective of this study is to analyze menstrual hygiene management practices among adolescent girls. The methodology used is a quantitative approach. The random sampling technique was used to select 68 students based on the criteria of being enrolled in the 2020–2021 academic year and having already experienced menstruation.  A questionnaire was used to collect data.  The study’s findings indicate that economic and structural constraints impact adolescent girls’ menstrual hygiene practices. They exhibit low levels of hygiene practices regarding the use of sanitary products. However, there is a marked improvement in personal hygiene related to showering and intimate hygiene. However, a majority reported not having a private space for girls to change their sanitary products during menstruation.  Furthermore, they have low levels of personal hygiene practices during menstruation. Schools must have adequate and appropriate facilities to enable adolescent girls to improve their menstrual hygiene.