Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Date of this Version
Winter 2021
Document Type
Article
Abstract
Background: Menstruation and Menstrual hygiene are issues that are treated with secrecy and privacy in many African rural communities, thus, creating an information gap for girls living in such communities. This study was conducted to promote menstrual hygiene literacy among secondary school girls in rural areas of Delta State, Nigeria by the Association of Women Librarians in Nigeria, Delta State Chapter.
Methods: The study was a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out in May 2019 among girls from rural community secondary schools in Delta State. The population consisted of all secondary school female students from rural communities in Delta State. Using multi stage sampling technique, 493 participants were selected from public secondary schools in the three senatorial districts of Delta State. Data were collected using structured self-developed questionnaires after due permission to carry out the study was obtained from school authorities. After data collection, descriptive analysis tools such simple percentage (%) was used in analyzing the data obtained.
Results: Most students didn’t have any information about menstruation prior to menarche and those who had, got them from their friends. After the awareness campaign, students became aware of the source of menstrual blood, and showed more interest in using sanitary pads, take more baths when having their menstrual period, change their panties and properly dispose of their sanitary materials. The students also indicated a positive shift in their attitude towards menstruation. Trusting that menstruation is a normal process for women and that it is not something to be embarrassed about.