title: Perceptions and practices on menstruation amongst Nigerian secondary school girls.
abstract: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted amongst 550 secondary school girls in southeastern Nigeria to determine their perceptions, problems, and practices on menstruation. Majority of the students, (75.6%), were aged 15-17 years. Only 39.3% perceived menstruation to be physiological. Abdominal pain/discomfort, (66.2%), was the commonest medical problem encountered by the respondents, although 45.8% had multiple problems. Medical problems were most commonly discussed with the mother, (47.1%), and least commonly discussed with the teachers, 0.4%. Analgesics, (75.6%), were most commonly used to relieve menstrual pain. Only 10% of respondents used non-pharmacologic remedies. Unsanitary menstrual absorbents were used by 55.7% of the respondents. Menstruation perceptions are poor, and practices often incorrect. A multi-dimensional approach focusing on capacity building of mothers, and teachers on sexuality education skills; using religious organizations as avenues for sexuality education; and effectively using the Mass Media as reproductive health education channels are recommended towards improving adolescents' perceptions and practices on menstruation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria. drechenduadinma@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Echendu Dolly
authors.initials: ED
authors.lastname: Adinma
authors.forename: J I B
authors.initials: JI
authors.lastname: Adinma
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene; D052576:Menstrual Hygiene Products; D008598:Menstruation / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology*; D009549:Nigeria; D012574:Schools; D055815:Young Adult