DETERMINANTS OF MENSTRUAL HYGIENE KNOWLEDGE, AND PRACTICE AMONG SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN ABIA SOUTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT

The aim of the study was to investigate the socio-demographic determinants of menstrual hygiene knowledge, availability and practice among senior secondary school students in Abia South Senatorial District. Descriptive research design was used with population of 1446 senior secondary school students. Self- structure questionnaires and a sample size of 1000 were utilized. The result showed 79.4% students had good knowledge of menstrual hygiene, indicating those whose age ranges from (15-19 years; 81.3%), and students in SS2 (80.7%) had good knowledge of menstrual hygiene among others. (X̅=2.47, SD=0.96) revealed unavailability of menstrual hygiene facilities needed in schools. Also, the grand mean of (X̅=2.34, SD=1.01) had a low extent of practice, students whose age ranges from (10-14 years; X̅= 2.36, SD=0.98), and SS2 students with (X̅= 2.41, SD=1.01) had more practice among others and yet low. However, age, class of study had significant relationship with menstrual hygiene knowledge and practice among senior secondary school students in Abia South senatorial districts. It was concluded that secondary school students in Abia South had good knowledge of menstrual hygiene, unavailability of menstrual facilities and low practice level. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that governments, non-governmental organization (NGO) and individuals can take up project of providing menstrual facilities in different public schools, such as borehole water, soap, menstrual pads, more toilets, changing rooms, also incinerators as such will improve availability and practice of menstrual hygiene among senior secondary school students in Abia South