Determinants of Knowledge and Practice of Menstrual Hygiene Among Female Adolescents in Damaturu, Northeastern Nigeria

Background: Menstruation is a biological process that begins in females in adolescent age. Poor menstrual hygiene can result in significant reproductive disorders. However, improving the knowledge about menstruation even before menarche can improve menstrual hygiene. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the determinants of knowledge and practice of adolescent girls towards menstrual hygiene in Damaturu, Northeastern-Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross‑sectional study was conducted among 300 adolescent girls in Damaturu. Data was collected using semi‑structured; self‑administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 24.0 and the level of significance was set at 0.05. Result: Out of 300 participants, 32.7% were 14 years old, with a minimum age of 12 years and a maximum age of 16 years. 75.4% lived with both parents. 1.7% had mothers with secondary education or higher, while 77% had mothers with no formal education. 75.4% of the mothers were housewives, while 1.3% were civil servants. 32.7% of the respondents attained menarche at the age of 12 years. Duration of bleeding was four to six days for 47.7% of the girls, while 25.3% had bleeding for less than four days. 55.7% reported 21 to 35 days between their periods. 20% of the respondents experienced lower abdominal pain during menstruation, The mother’s education status (p = 0.022), living with family members (p = 0.007), and prior knowledge on menstruation before menarche (p = 0.006), were significantly associated with the knowledge regarding menstruation. Conclusion: There was poor knowledge and practice towards menstruation among adolescent girls in Damaturu, Northeast-Nigeria, this requires significant improvements. Sensitization campaigns about menstrual hygiene and its benefit at conventional and Islamic school, public lectures at women gathering and, electronic/broadcast media are recommended.