A community-based study of menstrual beliefs in Tigray, Ethiopia.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate knowledge and beliefs about menstruation in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia.


METHODS
Between May 5 and May 25, 2015, a cross-sectional survey using semi-structured questionnaires was undertaken in 10 subdistricts (5 urban, 5 rural) in the Tigray Region of northern Ethiopia by trained data collectors (native speakers of the local languages). Individuals in randomly selected households who were aged 10years or older and who were willing to participate were asked various questions regarding the nature and management of menstruation. Interviews were recorded, and handwritten field notes were taken during the interview process. Data were compiled, transcribed, translated into English, categorized, and analyzed thematically.


RESULTS
Overall, 428 household members (349 female, 79 male) were interviewed. Reproductive anatomy and biology of menstrual regulation were poorly understood by the respondents. The belief that menstruating girls should not attend school was voiced by 17 (21.5%) male and 37 (10.6%) female respondents. Satisfactory management of menstrual hygiene was acknowledged to be a problem, and many respondents complained about the high cost of commercially produced, disposable menstrual pads.


CONCLUSIONS
Improved education on menstruation and better access to low-cost, reusable menstrual hygiene supplies would be worthwhile in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia.
Department of Anthropology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ayder Referral Hospital, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA. Electronic address: walll@wustl.edu.
L Lewis
LL
Wall
Department of Medical Parasitology and Immunology, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia.
Shewaye
S
Belay
Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia.
Alemayehu
A
Bayray
Tigray Regional Health Bureau, Mekelle, Ethiopia.
Seidi
S
Salih
Department of Anthropology, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia.
Mitiku
M
Gabrehiwot
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005002:Ethiopia; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene / Q000592:standards*; D008297:Male; D052576:Menstrual Hygiene Products / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008598:Menstruation / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult
Ethiopia; Menarche; Menstrual ethnography; Menstrual hygiene; Menstruation