Objective : To assess the hygienic practices during menstruation among adolescent school girls in selected secondary rural schools.
Methods : This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted from November to December, 2015. Study area was selected on
choice were four upazilas of Kishoreganj, Lakshmipur, Barguna and Sirajganj District. From the study area 15 schools were selected
on the basis of convenience and accessibility. Data were collected from 438 purposively selected adolescent unmarried school girls
aged 15-18 years and studying in class IX and X, through face to face interview by pretested questionnaire. Data were analyzed by
using software SPSS version 20.
Results : The result of the study revealed that majority (52%) participants were using cloths and 48.4% were using sanitary napkin
for menstrual hygiene management. About half of the participants got the information about menstrual and reproductive health from
family members. Thirty five percent (35%) girls do not attend school during first two days of menstruation. Majority (69%) of the girls
never change pad and 45% complained about unavailability of water at school. However, knowledge of reproductive health issues like
minimum age at marriage (18yrs, 85.8%), minimum age of child birth (20yrs, 89%) and need for extra nutrition during pregnancy
(99.0%) was quite satisfactory. The level of maternal education and economic condition were significantly associated with sanitary
napkin use.
Conclusion : The study revealed that higher percentage of participants was not using sanitary napkins, although their knowledge
regarding menstrual and reproductive health issues is satisfactory. Implementation of school health programs for adolescents should
emphasis on menstrual hygiene management.