Menstrual Hygiene Condition Of Adolescent Schoolgirls At Chittagong Division In Bangladesh

Abstract In developing countries like Bangladesh menstrual hygiene and management is not prime concern in the sector of reproductive health and water sanitation and hygiene. To achieve Millennium Development goals MDGs within right time a study on women reproductive health of Bangladesh is very necessary as it ensures environment sustainability gender equality and women empowerment. A typical and systematic study on adolescent school girls of greater Chittagong Division of Bangladesh on menstrual hygiene and management condition were carried to identify the prevailing knowledge and experiences and their implications. Chittagong division consists of 11 districts including total land area 33771.18 Sq. Km. where the total land area of Bangladesh is 147570 Sq. Km. By using mixed methods both quantitative and qualitative data was collected from 1373 adolescent school girls from 22 schools of 11 districts. The survey includes some pre-questionnaires and focus group discussions and interviews. Knowledge and beliefs experiences during menstruation seclusion and absenteeism and finally hygiene practices were analysed through this descriptive cross sectional study. Data wasnt fluctuated very much in different district except Khagrachhari Rangamati and Bandarban. Maximum number of survey respondents 96 reported that they had known about menstruation before their menarche 90 respondents were facing abdominal pain and mental stress is another key thing due to extra thinking about her menstruation and maintain secrecy from others 95 of them maintaining some restrictions due to religious issue and for other significant reason. Almost 39 of total respondents was being absent in school at least one day during menstruation period and reason behind this circumstances were also evaluated. Re-usable cloths were preferred by the tribal girls Khagrachhari Rangamati and Bandarban district whereas sanitary pad was preferable by rest of the district. In total 49 used re-usable cloths and use rate of old piece of cloth was higher at rural area. Absorbent material used bath taken cleaning and changing availability of toilet disposal of absorbent material in last menstruation were analysed to identify their hygiene practice. Finally some recommendations are proposed after analyzing the focus group discussions and interview.