Knowledge and attitude of menstrual hygiene management among female students between 10-18 years old

Abstract

Background: Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is an essential issue in women's and girls' health care. In Vietnam, there is not much research on menstrual hygiene management. The study aims to describe the knowledge and attitude of menstrual hygiene management among 10–18-year-old female students.

Methods: a cross-sectional study design, combining quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative study was conducted with 494 female students using self administration questionaires. Qualitative study was applied with 7 group discussions with female students and 14 indepth interviews with teachers. The study was conducted in Hanoi and Quang Binh in 2021.

Results: the study results showed that about two thirds of students (64.6%) had good knowledge about menstrual hygiene, of which the average knowledge was 40.9% and good was 23.7%. Only 1.6% of primary school students have good knowledge of menstrual hygiene management. Most of students had poor and moderate attitude of menstrual hygiene management (98.2%). The percentage of students who are confident at school when menstruating is very low (1.6%).There were significant differences in knowledge and attitude of menstrual hygiene management by educational level and by areas. Female students also have the notion that the female body during menstruation was 'dirty' and they should follow some negative traditional practices during their period.

Conclusion and Recommendations: The study recommends that knowledge and attitude of menstrual hygiene management should be improved among students. The school, teachers and parents focus on building and cleaning school’s toilets, providing enough soap and water, and creating a friendly environment for students at schools.