Assessment of Menstrual Health Knowledge and Management Practices Among Female Secondary School Students in Gombe State

Menstrual health is a fundamental component of adolescent girls' wellbeing and educational participation, yet knowledge gaps and inadequate management practices persist in many Nigerian school contexts. This study assesses menstrual health knowledge and management practices among female senior secondary school students in Gombe State, North East Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 300 female students from eight secondary schools across three local government areas. A validated self-administered questionnaire measuring menstrual knowledge, hygiene practices, school absenteeism patterns, and barriers to menstrual management was used for data collection. Findings indicate that 62 percent of respondents demonstrate adequate knowledge of menstrual physiology, while knowledge of menstrual hygiene management practices is markedly lower, with only 38 percent consistently using hygienic sanitary products. Improvised materials including torn cloth remain in use among 29 percent of respondents, particularly in schools without functioning toilet facilities. School absenteeism attributable to menstruation is reported by 47 percent of participants, with an average of two school days missed per cycle. Embarrassment, inadequate toilet privacy, and lack of access to sanitary materials at school are the most commonly cited barriers. Recommendations include integrating menstrual health education into the school health curriculum, provision of sanitary facilities and affordable menstrual hygiene products, and training of female health education teachers to deliver sensitive and accurate menstrual health content. Keywords: menstrual health, female students, secondary schools, Gombe State, hygiene practices