ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE OF MENSTRUATION AND PRACTICE OF MENSTRUAL HYGIENE AMONG OUT-OF-SCHOOL ADOLESCENT GIRL IN MAIDUGURI, BORNO STATE.

Menstruation is the cyclical shedding of the endometrial lining following failure of fertilization or implantation of an embryo. The physical manifestations of puberty and the lack of safe, dignified practices to manage menstruation have somehow created a complex, heavy silence around this important and positive lifecycle change. Cultural norms and taboos affect the society perception about women and menstruation often leading to a gap in gender equality. Addressing knowledge gaps is important as shame and poor menstrual hygiene management (MHM) have been associated with a lack of knowledge. The general objective of this study was to assess the knowledge of menstruation and practice of menstrual hygiene among out of school adolescent girls, in Maiduguri Borno state. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out using an interview administered questionnaire. Four hundred and fourteen interview based questionnaires were administered over the period of four weeks. The data obtained was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) software version 20, 2014 edition. The result showed that the age group 16 to 17 has the highest number of respondents. Out of the 414 questionnaires administered, 210 had no knowledge of menses before onset of menarche. About 216 and 199 of the respondents used disposable sanitary pads and non-disposable sanitary pads respectively. Borno state and federal government should encourage adolescent education through legislations, subsidise menstrual hygiene management products and improve WASH facilities in public places to enable those that go to work change effectively.