Abstract:
Background: Menstruation is a normal physiological process which is unique and universal for
females at their reproductive age, so it’s fundamental to the dignity and wellbeing of female. Due
to Inadequate, unhygienic, and unsafe menstrual hygiene practices the school girls are exposed
for health problems and academic effect which result overall poor quality of life. Therefore, the
aim of this study was to assess menstrual hygiene practices and associated factors affecting
menstrual hygiene practice among high school female students in Ilu Gelan district, Western
Ethiopia in 2021G.C
Method: An institutional-based mixed method cross-sectional study design was conducted from
November1 to December 30 /2021G.C at Ilu Gelan district high schools. Data was collected from
450 female students who were selected by simple random sampling technique using a structured
self- administered questionnaire and five focus group discussions (FGD) among female students
and four key informant interviews among teachers were conducted by purposive sampling
technique for qualitative data. Binary and multiple logistic regression analysis were done to
determine the association between the dependant and the independent variables. Independent
variables with p<=0.25 in bivariate analysis were fitted in to the multivariate logistic regression
model to identify factors associated with menstrual hygienic practice. A p-value of less than 0.05
was taken as significant association and odds ration with their 95%CI were computed. Frequency,
percentage and association were computed for variables. Results were summarized and displayed
by tables and charts.
Data from qualitative part were translated, transcribed, coded, categorized and finally thematized.
Results: Of the total respondents about 42% had Adequate menstrual hygiene practice. Different
factors like freely discussing about menstrual issue with their parents (AOR 2.03:95% CI, 1.346,
3.071), those respondents live with their relative (AOR 5.1: 95%CI, 1.32, 19.8), who their mother
occupation was farmers (AOR 0.15: 95%CI, (0.01, 0.90) significantly associated with menstrual
hygiene practice. There is lack of water, emergence menstrual sanitary napkin’ and soap and
menstrual hygiene related infrastructure in the schools which directly affect menstrual hygiene
practices in school setting.
Conclusion: Majority of study participants (58%) had inadequate menstrual hygienic practices.
Factors such as income they get from their parents and freely discussing about menstruation issue
with parents, whom they live with now, adequate knowledge about menstruation, occupation of
parents were found to be significantly associated and lack of sanitation facilities and menstrual
materials was a major challenge to menstrual hygiene practices at schools .This needs critical
intervention with malty dimensional and integrated approach from community , governments and
different stakeholders.
