Predictive factors of menstrual hygiene management abilities among early adolescent girls in Mudon township, Mon state, Myanmar

Abstract

This cross-sectional analytical study aimed to determine the current knowledge, attitude and practices related to menstruation and menstrual hygiene management (MHM), in order to assess the underlying factors that influence the MHM abilities of early adolescent girls, and to observe the impact of MHM and its determinants. Structured questionnaires were used to interview 410 respondents. Chi-square tests, simple and multiple logistic analysis were used to analyze the association between independent and dependent variables. It was revealed that more than half of respondents (57.3%) had a poor ability to manage their menstrual hygiene. The significant predictive factors of MHM abilities were the level of knowledge about menstruation (AOR= 2.07, 95% CI= 1.24-3.46), menstrual hygiene practices level (AOR= 2.55, 95% CI= 1.69-3.84) and accessibility of MHM facilities (AOR= 2.06, 95% CI = 1.06-4.02). The girls who had poor MHM abilities were 1.1 times more likely to experience an impact on their daily activities than did those who had good MHM abilities. It was seen that the adolescent girls in our setting did not have adequate MHM abilities because of inadequate knowledge, unhealthy menstrual hygiene practices, and limited accessibility of MHM facilities. Thus, the results of this study highlight the need for reproductive and menstrual health education programs, and MHM facilities, to support early adolescent girls in Myanmar