Determinants of Menstrual Hygiene Practices Among Adolescent Schoolgirls in Saudi Arabia: Implications for Adolescent Health Promotion

TL;DR

This study examines menstrual hygiene practices among adolescent girls in Saudi Arabia and identifies factors that influence these practices.

Contribution

The study provides insights into determinants of menstrual hygiene practices in a culturally sensitive context.

Findings

53.8% of adolescent girls demonstrated good menstrual hygiene practices.

Urban residency and good menstrual knowledge were associated with better hygiene practices.

Maternal education and employment also positively influenced menstrual hygiene practices.

Abstract

Background: Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is a vital aspect of adolescent girls’ health and well-being. However, in many Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, this issue has received less attention because of cultural taboos, misconceptions, and a lack of knowledge about factors affecting menstrual hygiene practices. Thus, it is crucial to promote adolescent health and develop effective school-based interventions. Aim of the Study: Our aim was to assess menstrual hygiene practices and their determinants among adolescent girls in secondary schools in Bisha, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive approach was used to study 320 female secondary school students in Bisha City, southwestern Saudi Arabia. Sample: The subjects were selected by using a stratified random sampling procedure. Information was obtained using a previously validated and culturally sensitive self-administered questionnaire on knowledge and menstrual hygiene. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine factors associated with good menstrual hygiene practices. Results: A total of 320 adolescent girls participated, of whom 53.8% demonstrated good menstrual hygiene practices. In the multivariable analysis, independent predictors of good practices were increased age (AOR = 2.69, 95% CI:1.59–4.56), urban residency (AOR = 2.62, 95% CI: 1.46–4.69), and good menstrual knowledge (AOR = 2.13, 95%CI: 1.24–3.67). Maternal primary education (AOR = 8.033, CI: 1.44–44.99) and maternal employment in the government sector (AOR = 7.346, CI: 2.29–23.54) also showed strong positive associations with good menstrual hygiene practices. Conversely, experiencing menarche after age 12 was associated with lower odds of good menstrual hygiene (AOR = 0.49). Conclusions: Although a good proportion of girls practiced adequate menstrual hygiene, major knowledge and behavior gaps persist. Providing strong menstrual education in schools and through community-based efforts is critical for supporting the health of adolescent girls and promoting menstrual equity in Saudi Arabia.

Figures