Menstrual Patterns and Gynaecological Concerns Among Adolescent Girls in Sokoto State, North West Nigeria

Adolescent reproductive health remains an underexplored area of paediatric medicine in Nigeria, particularly in northern states where social taboos and limited health education compound access challenges. This descriptive cross-sectional study examines menstrual patterns and gynaecological concerns among adolescent girls aged 10 to 19 years in Sokoto State, North West Nigeria. A total of 312 female students from four secondary schools in Sokoto Municipality and Wamakko local government areas participated in the study. A self-administered structured questionnaire covered age at menarche, cycle regularity, menstrual symptoms, healthcare-seeking behaviour for gynaecological concerns, and knowledge of menstrual hygiene. Mean age at menarche was 13.4 years. Dysmenorrhoea was reported by 72.4% of respondents and was the most common gynaecological complaint. Irregular cycles were reported by 28.8% of girls. Only 19.6% had ever consulted a healthcare provider for menstrual problems, with most managing symptoms using analgesics purchased without prescription. Misconceptions about menstruation, including beliefs that dysmenorrhoea was normal and required no treatment, were prevalent in 61.2% of respondents. Menstrual hygiene practices were suboptimal in 38.5% of girls, linked to limited access to sanitary materials. The study calls for school-based menstrual health education, provision of affordable hygiene materials, and integration of adolescent gynaecological services into secondary schools. Keywords: menstrual health, adolescent girls, dysmenorrhoea, Sokoto State, North West Nigeria.