Knowledge, attitude and perception of menstruation and menstrual hygiene among secondary school students in a semi-urban area in South-South Nigeria

Background: Menstrual health is an important aspect of adolescent reproductive health. However, inadequate knowledge, negative attitudes and barriers to menstrual hygiene management remain concerns, particularly among students with disabilities. This study assessed menstrual knowledge, attitudes and hygiene practices among female students attending an inclusive secondary school in Benin City, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 269 female students at Ihogbe College, Benin City, between June and July 2025. Participants were selected using stratified sampling. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and analysed using SPSS version 25. Associations were assessed using Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests, with statistical significance set at p<0.05. Results: The mean age was 15.4±2.5 years, and 26 participants (9.7%) had disabilities. Overall, 63.2% demonstrated good menstrual knowledge, while 81.0% had good menstrual hygiene practices. Feelings of shame and insecurity during menstruation were reported by 34.6% and 48.7%, respectively. Sanitary pads were used by 96.7% of participants, although 36.1% delayed changing menstrual materials until returning home. Good hygiene practice was significantly associated with menstrual knowledge (p<0.001) and disability status (p=0.032). Conclusions: Although menstrual hygiene practices were generally good, knowledge gaps and negative attitudes persisted. School-based menstrual education and disability-inclusive hygiene support may improve menstrual health experiences among students.