Wash and Menstrual Hygiene Management in Primary Schools in Kiryadongo District
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Date
2023-09-15
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Uganda Christian University
Abstract
The studyinvestigated the effect of inadequate WASH facilities on menstrual hygiene management among teenage girls in primary schools in Kiryandongo district. It specifically focused on; explored the menstrual hygiene practices of teenage girls in primary schools, established the WASH interventions in primary schools for menstrual hygiene management and examined the challenges preventing teenage girls in primary schools from accessing WASH facilities and menstrual hygiene products in Kiryandongo district.
A descriptive survey research design was employed for the study, along with both quantitative and qualitative research methods. To collect that data we used questionnaires and interviews with straightforward and purposeful random sampling. Although only 120 people replied to the survey, including the school administration, it included 133 respondents who were teenage girls in grades P.6 and P.7 who were menstruating in the three chosen UPE primary schools in the Kiryandongo district.
From the findings, it was revealed that there is generally positive trend in menstrual hygiene practices among teenage girls in primary schools in Kiryandongo district, emphasizing proper hygiene and the use of sanitary pads. However, significant challenges persist, including inadequate sanitation infrastructure, insufficient water supply, and difficulties in accessing menstrual hygiene products. Moreover, the lack of awareness and comprehensive education on menstrual hygiene, coupled with the prevalence of teasing and stigma, create barriers for these girls. To address these challenges effectively and ensure the well-being of teenage girls, there is an urgent need for improved infrastructure, water supply, awareness, and comprehensive education on menstrual hygiene, as well as addressing financial barriers and fostering a supportive and stigma-free environment.
The study recommended that a comprehensive approach to enhance menstrual hygiene management among teenage girls in primary schools in Kiryandongo district. This includes prioritizing the construction of clean and private toilets for girls, ensuring consistent water supply, providing menstrual hygiene products, incorporating menstrual hygiene education, fostering a stigma-free environment, addressing financial constraints, implementing monitoring mechanisms, engaging the community, and involving government agencies and NGOs.
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This is is a dissertation.