Knowledge and practice of self-hygiene during menstruation among female adolescent students in Buraidah city

BACKGROUND: Menstruation is a physiological phenomenon that begins in females in adolescent age. Poor menstrual hygiene can result in significant reproductive disorders. However, improving the knowledge about menstruation even before menarche can improve menstrual hygiene. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge and practice of adolescent girls towards menstrual hygiene, in Buraidah city. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 258 intermediate school girls in Buraidah city. A semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on demographics, menstrual history, knowledge about menstruation, hygiene practices, and school absence during menstruation. The survey was conducted from December 2019 to Februry 2020. RESULTS: Before menarche, 49.6% of the girls knew about menstruation. The mothers were the most common (94%) source of information about menstruation. Regarding menstruation, 68.2% had bleeding for four to six days, and 42.2% had an interval of 21 to 35 days between periods. Approximately 61.7% participants had 'acceptable' level of knowledge, 2.0% had a 'good' knowledge and 36.3% had 'poor' knowledge regarding menstruation. Most (60.5%) students were categorized as having unsatisfactory self-hygiene practice. During the last three months, 35.8% of the girls were absent for one day due to menstruation. 47.7% of the students omit some foods and drinks from their diet during menstruation; soft drinks were the most omitted. Mother's occupation (P = 0.022), family monthly income (P = 0.007), and prior knowledge on menstruation (P = 0.006) were significantly associated with knowledge regarding menstruation. CONCLUSION: Knowledge and practice toward menstrual hygiene is unsatisfactory. Creating awareness on self-hygiene during menstruation is recommended.