Menstruation in Rural Igbo Women of South East Nigeria: Attitudes, Beliefs and Practices

Umeora O.U.J, Egwuatu V.E

Abstract

Many cultures hold on to different beliefs and retain community-defined restrictions for menstruating women. The Igbo society of southeast Nigeria is rich in culture, myths and superstitions but, surprisingly no documentation exists on menstrual beliefs and practices among the population.

This questionnaire-based cross sectional study supplemented with in-depth interviews evaluated the beliefs, myths and traditional practices associated with menstruation within rural Igbo communities. It revealed that the menstrual egress is of great significance in Igbo culture and must be disposed of carefully to avoid exposure to witchcraft and rituals. Some respondents observed self-imposed restrictions on exercises, food items, visits and sex in order to maintain physical and spiritual cleanliness, lessen discomfort and avoid embarrassment.

Gynaecologists working in this region should utilize the opportunities of clinical consultations to discuss menstrual health issues with their female patients and educate them on the physiology and significance of menstruation. (Afr Reprod Health 2008; 12[1]:109-115).

RÉSUMÉ

La menstruation chez les femmes rurales igbo du sud-est du Nigéria : attitudes, croyances et pratiques Beaucoup de cultures ont des croyances différentes et se rattachent à des contraintes définies par la communauté par rapport à la menstruation chez la femme. Certes, la société igbo du sud-est du Nigéria est riche en culture, en mythes et en superstitions, mais il est étonnant de constater qu’aucun document n’existe sur les croyances et les pratiques de la menstruation chez la population.  Cette étude sectionnelle, qui est basée sur les questionnaires et complétée par des interviews en profondeur, a évalué les croyances, les mythes et les pratiques traditionnelles liés à la menstruation au sein des communautés rurales igbo.  L’étude a montré que la sortie menstruelle a une grande signification dans la culture igbo et doit s’être débarrassée pour que cela ne soit pas exposée à la sorcellerie et aux gestes rituels. Certaines femmes interrogées se sont imposées des restrictions sur les l’exercises, les aliments, les visites et le rapport sexuel pour s’assurer de la propreté physique et spirituelle, pour séduire la gêne et éviter l’embarras.  Il faut que les gynécologues qui travaillent dans cette région profitent des consultations cliniques pour discuter les questions de la santé menstruelle avec leurs patientes et pour leurs renseigner sur la physiologie et la signification de la menstruation. (Rev Afr Santé Reprod 2008; 12[1]:109-155).

 

KEY WORDS:  Culture, menstruation, Igbo, myth, hygiene.

Full Text:

PDF

References

Speroff L, Glass RH and Kase NG (eds). Menstrual disorders, In Clinical Gynaecologic Endocrinology and Infertility. Philadelphia: Lippincot Williams and Wilkins, 1999: 557-574.

McMaster J, Cormie K and Pitts M. Menstrual and premenstrual experiences of women in a developing country. Health Care for women international 1997; 533-41.

Drakshayani DK, Venkata RP. A studyon menstrual hygiene among rural adolescent girls. Indian Journal of Medical Sciences 1994; 48(6):139-43.

McPherson ME and Korfine L. Menstruation across time: menarche,menstrual attitudes, experiences and behaviours. Women’s Health Issues 2004; 14:193-200.

Garg S, Sharma N and Sahay R. Socio- cultural aspects of menstruation in an urban slum in Delhi, India. Reproductive Health Matters 2001; 9 (17): 16-25.

George A. It happens to us: menstruation as perceived by poor women in Bombay. In

Gittelsohn J, Bentley ME, Pertti JP, Nag M, Pachauri S, Harrison AD and Landman LT (eds). Listening to women talk about their health: issues and evidence from India. New Delhi, India, Har-Anand Publications, 1994: 168-83

Rembeck GI and Gunnarsson RK. Improving preand postmenarcheal 12-year-old girls’ attitudes towards menstruation. Health Care for Women International 1997;680-698.

Dharmalingam A. The implication of menarche and wedding ceremonies for the status of women in a south Indian village. Indian Anthropologist 1994; 24(1): 31-43.

olusanya O, Okpere EE and Ezimokhai M. the importancfe of social class in voluntary fertility control in a developing country. West African Journal of Medicine 1985; 3(3): 76-78.

Barnhart K,Fuerman Iand Devoto L. attitudes andpractice of couples regarding sexual relations during the menses and spotting. Contraception 1995; 51(2); 93-8.

Kanani S, Latha K and Shah m. Applications ofqualitative methodologiesto investigate perceptions of women and health practitioners regarding women’s health disorders in a Baroda slum. In Gittelsohn J, Bentley ME, Pertti JP, Nag M, Pachauri S, Harrison AD and Landman LT (eds). Listening to women talk about their health:issues and evidence from India. New Delhi, India, Har-Anand Publications, 1994; 122-35.

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.