The Effect of Health Education on Menstrual Hygiene Management among Adolescent Girls in Two Selected Secondary Schools in Auchi, Edo State

Abstract

Menstruation remains a source of fear, embarrassment, and misinformation for many adolescent girls, with poor knowledge and unhygienic practices leading to infections, school absenteeism, and social stigma. This study assessed the effect of health education on menstrual hygiene management among adolescent girls in Akpekpe Secondary School and Iyekhei Girls Secondary School, Auchi, Edo State. A quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test design was adopted involving 220 adolescent girls aged 10–19 years who had attained menarche. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire. A structured health education intervention focusing on menstrual physiology, hygienic absorbent use, frequency of pad changing, and disposal methods was implemented between the pre- and post-test phases. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, with Chi-square test employed at 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed that before intervention, only 27.3% had good knowledge while 72.7% demonstrated poor knowledge. Post-intervention, good knowledge increased to 86.4%, and hygienic practices improved from 43.2% to 86.4%. Chi-square analysis (χ² = 118.42, df = 1, p = 0.000 for knowledge; χ² = 67.42, df = 1, p = 0.000 for practice) indicated highly significant effects. Environmental and institutional factors such as inadequate water and disposal facilities were identified as barriers. The study concluded that structured health education significantly improves menstrual hygiene knowledge and practices. It is recommended that menstrual hygiene education be integrated into school health programs, teachers and nurses be trained for continuous guidance, and adequate sanitary facilities be provided in schools.