Role of Schools in Promoting Proper Menstrual Hygiene Management Practices among Schoolgirls in Ghana

Abstract

Menstruation is a natural biological process, yet it remains a stigmatized and under-discussed subject in many cultures, particularly in developing countries. This article explores the challenges faced by adolescent girls in managing menstrual hygiene, highlighting the myths, misconceptions, and lack of education surrounding menstruation. Poor menstrual hygiene management (MHM) practices, often due to inadequate access to menstrual products, clean water, and sanitation facilities, pose significant health risks, including reproductive and urinary tract infections. The article identifies factors contributing to poor MHM, such as insufficient health education, lack of menstrual hygiene products, and inadequate toilet facilities in schools. It emphasizes the critical role schools play in promoting proper MHM by providing education, access to menstrual products, and creating a supportive environment for girls during menstruation. By prioritizing MHM practices, schools can help reduce absenteeism, prevent infections, and improve educational opportunities for girls, thereby fostering a more inclusive and healthy environment for female students.