| dc.description.abstract | Menstrual hygiene management is an issue that was insufficiently acknowledged and had not received adequate attention in water sanitation and hygiene and reproductive health sectors in developing countries. The main objective of this study was to establish menstrual hygiene management among Marklin Memorial School female students of reproductive age. The study was done at Marklin Memorial School in Kisii county. A descriptive research design was conducted, simple random sampling was used to select the respondents to be issued with the questionnaires so as to participate in the study. A sample population for the study was calculated and obtained using the Taro Yamane formula. Data was collected using semi structured questionnaire that had both open and close questions. Data was analyzed in line with the objectives.The results indicated that disposable sanitary pad was the common method used of about 70% but significantly fewer girls in the study reported to use cotton wool 15%. A significant number of girls in the study indicated that vagina douching was one of the method of attaining menstrual hygiene 70 out 90 where 77.9% used water only and 22.2% used tissue. More than 56% of the respondents were seen to dispose off properly the used menstrual product. A large number of girls in this study agreed unhygienic menstrual practices increased vulnerability to reproductive tract infection 85 out of 100. Mothers were seen as the main source of knowledge with highest percentage 55%, siblings 9% and teachers 10%. Similar data shows that parents were sought for help when there was sudden onset of menstruation at menarche followed by teachers at 40%. Girls and women are exposed to social, religious and restrictions. 50% of the female respondents reported that they were subject to social and religious restrictions. The community still feels to some level that having menstrual periods is associated with uncleanless.15% of respondents also agreed that it was important that one buys sanitary pads in absence of males or without being seen by males.As menstruation comes along with cultural and religious taboo, the MHM is present as a silent need, which is addressed by the use of local materials and resources available. It is important that, before any intervention is planned, the needs, cultures, facilitators and barriers of that population are explored. In conclusion there is need to develop an information resource to provide girls knowledge of puberty, menarche and menstrual hygiene management, develop MHM health education module that should be taught as part of their school curriculum and train teachers to deliver this health education module in a sensitive and objective manner and also the community to be included in sensitizing menstruation as a normal physiologic process. Recommendations were; develop an information resource to provide girls knowledge of puberty, menarche and menstrual hygiene management. This information can be presented in a written form, as a book, or a pamphlet,develop MHM health education module that should be taught as part of their school curriculum and train teachers to deliver this health education module in a sensitive and objective manner,sensitize the community through barazas, community health talks, special girl-community talks and gatherings about menstruation and menstrual hygiene management practices to alleviate the stigmatization by the male gender and the community as whole | en_US |
