Menstruation and Menstrual Hygiene amongst Adolescent School Girls in Kano, Northwestern Nigeria
), Nafisa Wali Yusuf(2), Aisha Bala Musa(3),
(1)
(2)
(3)
Corresponding Author
Abstract
This study examined the knowledge and practices of adolescent school girls in Kano, Nigeria around menstruation and menstrual hygiene. Data was collected quantitatively and analyzed using Epi info version 3.2.05. The mean age of the students was 14.4 ± 1.2 years; majority was in their mid adolescence. The students attained menarche at 12.9 ± 0.8 years. Majority had fair knowledge of menstruation, although deficient in specific knowledge areas. Most of them used sanitary pads as absorbent during their last menses; changed menstrual dressings about 1-5 times per day; and threequarter increased the frequency of bathing. Institutionalizing sexuality education in Nigerian schools; developing and disseminating sensitive adolescent reproductive health massages targeted at both parents and their adolescent children; and improving access of the adolescents to youth friendly services are veritable means of meeting the adolescent reproductive health needs in Nigeria (Afr. J. Reprod. Health 2010; 14[3]: 201-207).
Résumé
Mensuration et l’hygiène menstruelle chez les étudiantes adolescentes à Kano, au nord du Nigéria. Cette étude a examiné la connaissance et les pratiques des étudiantes adolescentes à Kano, au Nigéria à l’égard de la menstruation et l’hygiène menstruelle. Des données ont été recueillies quantitativement et ont été analysées à l’aide de la version info Epi 3, 2,05. L’âge moyen des étudiantes était 14±1,2 ans. La majorité étaient dans la mi-adolescence. Les étudiantes ont subi la première apparition des règles à l’âge de 12,9±0,8 ans. La majorité avaient une connaissance considérable de la menstruation, quoique insuffisante, dans les domaines des connaissances spécifiques. La plupart des étudiantes se servaient des serviettes hygiéniques comme des absorbants pendant leurs dernières menstruations; elles changeaient les pansement menstruels à peu près 1-5 fois par jour; et trois quarts ont augmenté la fréquence des besoins. L’institutionnalisation de l’éducation sexuelles dans les écoles nigérianes, le développement et la diffusion des messages sensibles de santé de la reproduction chez les adolescentes qui visent à la fois les parents et leurs enfants adolescentes et l’amélioration de l’accès aux services qui favorisent les jeunes gens par les adolescentes sont de vrais moyens pour satisfaire les besoins de santé de la reproduction chez les adolescents au Nigéria (Afr. J. Reprod. Health 2010; 14[3]:201-207).
Key words: Menstruation; menstrual hygiene; adolescents; school girls.
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