Menstrual hygiene management in rural schools of Zambia: a descriptive study of knowledge, experiences and challenges faced by schoolgirls.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

While in school, girls require an environment that is supportive of menstrual hygiene management (MHM) in order to ensure regular school attendance and participation. Little is known about schoolgirls access to and practice of MHM in rural Zambia. This study explores girls' experiences of MHM in rural schools of Zambia from the perspectives of schoolgirls, schoolboys and community and school-based adults key to MHM for schoolgirls.

Methods

In July and August 2015, we conducted this qualitative exploratory study in six rural schools of Mumbwa and Rufunsa districts of Zambia. Twelve in-depth interviews (IDIs) and six focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted among girls ages 14-18 who had begun menstruating. Two FGDs with boys ages 14-18 and 25 key informant i

SUBMITTER: Chinyama J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6321718 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature