Menstrual Hygiene Management In Kenya: Case Of Primary Schools In Bomet Central Sub-County

Abstract

ABSTRACT Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) is an under researched issue in East Africa. In low income settings poor MHM can cause absenteeism from school. This is important as a lack of education can decrease future career prospects for girls. This study aims to explore the experiences of primary school girls in Kenya during menstruation in order to guide effective interventions to prevent menstrual related absenteeism from school and propose solutions to various challenges concerning MHM. Quantitative research method was used for the case of this study and the targeted population was selected using quota sampling method. Self-administered questionnaires were given to 102 schoolgirls in five schools in Bomet East Sub-County, in Bomet County-Kenya. Questions included topics on the bio-data, product use, disposable sanitary pads, absenteeism and reasons for menstrual related absenteeism, menstrual facilities in schools and counselling services available at school. The results shows that many of the girls are not satisfied with menstrual facilities in their schools with 75% believing this. 93% believed that menstruation affect them will in school with 76% of them prefer staying away from schools. The highest reported reason (74%) girls missed school during menstruation was the lack of a private place to wash and change at school The results show that in many primary schools in Kenya, menstruation causes absenteeism from school. This absenteeism is mainly due to the lack of facilities at school, lack of menstrual education, embarrassment or pain caused by menstruation and the inability to afford hygienic sanitary materials. A randomized controlled trial in Kenya is needed to trial interventions that could reduce this menstrual related absenteeism from school.