Investigation of Menstrual Hygiene Management Among Secondary School Girls in Kaduna State

Menstrual hygiene management is a significant but inadequately addressed dimension of adolescent health in Nigeria, with implications for school attendance, dignity, and infection risk among adolescent girls. This study investigated menstrual hygiene management practices and associated factors among secondary school girls in Kaduna State, North West Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in eight public and private secondary schools across Kaduna North and Kaduna South LGAs, enrolling 300 menstruating girls through stratified random sampling. A structured self-administered questionnaire assessed knowledge of menstruation, absorbent material used, hygiene practices during menstruation, school attendance during menstrual period, and access to toilet and changing facilities. Results showed that 41.7 percent used commercially manufactured sanitary pads, 38.3 percent used reusable cloth, and 14.3 percent used improvised materials. School absenteeism during menstruation was reported by 47.3 percent, primarily due to pain and lack of private toilet facilities. Adequate menstrual hygiene practices were demonstrated by only 38.7 percent. Mothers were the primary information source (68.0 percent), and factually incorrect beliefs about menstruation were held by 34.7 percent. Students in private schools had significantly better practices than government school counterparts (p < 0.001). Recommendations include a comprehensive menstrual health education programme, provision of sanitary materials in government schools, and construction of lockable private toilet facilities for girls in Kaduna State schools. Keywords: menstrual hygiene management, adolescent girls, secondary school, Kaduna State, North West Nigeria