Journal of Midwifery and Reproductive Health

Journal of Midwifery and Reproductive Health

Safe Menstrual Hygiene Management Practices and Associated Factors among Secondary School Female Students in Northern Ethiopia: A Cross-sectional Study

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors
Zigijit Azene 1
Tigist Derebe 1
selamawit Nigatu 2
Mangistu Abera 3
Aberash Beyene Derribow 3
1 Lecturer, Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
2 Lecturer, Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wachemo University, Hosanna, Ethiopia
3 Lecturer, Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wolkite University, Wolkite, Ethiopia
10.22038/jmrh.2025.88727.2683
Abstract
Background & aim: Many women worldwide face challenges in managing menstrual hygiene due to inadequate facilities, high costs, and misinformation, which can increase the risk of health complications. Evidence regarding safe menstrual management practices among secondary school students in northern Ethiopia remains limited. This study aimed to assess menstrual hygiene management practices and their associated factors among secondary school female students in Northern Ethiopia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 834 female secondary school students from April 1 to 30, 2022, who were selected using a multistage random sampling. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire with close supervision by the data collectors. The data were entered into EpiData version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Both bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed.
Results: This study revealed that the proportion of students practicing safe menstrual management was 46.6% (95% CI: 43.2–50.0). Age at menarche (AOR = 6.4, 95% CI: 1.0–13.6), prior information before menarche (AOR = 3.0, 95% CI: 2.2–4.2), having pocket money (AOR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.9–3.6), comfort with the school environment (AOR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.5–2.8), and knowledge of menstrual management (AOR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1–3.1) were factors associated with safe menstrual hygiene practices.
Conclusion: More than half of the participants did not practice safe menstrual hygiene management. Hence, awareness about menstrual hygiene management should be enhanced among female students to improve their safe hygiene practices.
Keywords
Adolescent
School
Menstruation
Hygiene
Ethiopia
Subjects
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Journal of Midwifery and Reproductive Health
Volume 14, Issue 4
Autumn 2026
Pages 5630-5640