Adolescents’ knowledge and experiences of menstrual management in the Kasena-Nankana East Municipality, Ghana

Issues regarding the reproductive organs and how they function are usually not discussed openly, especially among adolescents. Thus, many adolescent girls in Ghana may enter menarche without any basic information about menstruation. This can have consequences for them to manage their menstrual periods efficiently. The extent to which these circumstances affect other social and academic life of adolescents in typical rural context has not been explored. This study examined adolescents’ lived experiences with menstrual hygiene management in the Kassena Nankana East Municipality (KNEM) of the Upper East Region, Ghana. The study used a qualitative design that adopted the interpretive paradigm. Data were collected from adolescent girls ages 10 to 19, using an in-depth interview guide and focus group discussion. A total of 15 in-depth interviews were conducted. Six focus groups were constituted, which summed up to 43 participants, comprising 24 in-school girls and 19 out-of-school girls. The data were analysed using a thematic approach. We found reports of inadequate knowledge prior to menarche, lack of financial support for girls to purchase items for menstrual management, inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities, the use of unhygienic sanitary napkins, and widespread socio-cultural misconceptions about menstruation and menstrual blood. While menarche presents a feeling of excitement for some adolescents, adolescents’ menstrual hygiene management was greatly influenced by their lack of knowledge prior to menstruation, physical discomfort, socio-cultural misconceptions, and the use of unhygienic sanitary napkins. These findings underscore the need for communities and families to strive to provide adolescent girls with the necessary resources and support to manage their menstruation. Addressing the misconceptions about menstruation can help to improve menstrual hygiene among adolescents and improve school attendance.