Association Between Knowledge Levels and Menstrual Hygiene Management Practices among Adolescent Girls with Disabilities in Selected Schools in Wajir County, Kenya

Abstract

BACKGROUND Menstruation marks a significant transition for adolescent girls, yet unhygienic practices and inadequate access to clean and supportive environments, like sanitation facilities, impact their social well-being and health. This issue is exacerbated for girls with disabilities due to the additional challenges they face. This study aimed to assess Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) practices among adolescent girls with disabilities in primary schools in Wajir County, Kenya, focusing on knowledge level. METHODOLOGY A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed, using a census sampling technique to select 101 adolescent girls with disabilities from three primary schools. Data was collected through questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Chi-square tests determined associations between variables, with significant results further examined through logistic regression analysis. RESULTS Only 11.9% of respondents practised MHM. Knowledge factors that were associated with Menstrual Hygiene Management practice were; normal for every girl to experience menstruation (p=0.013), Menstrual blood comes from the womb (p=0.042), Menstruation is an indication of fertility (p=0.008) and overall level of knowledge about menstruation (p=0.037). Predictors of Menstrual Hygiene Management practice were, believing it is normal for every girl to experience menstruation (AOR=7.417, p=0.001), menstruation is an indicator of fertility (AOR=6.800, p=0.045) and overall levels of menstrual knowledge (AOR=4.206, p=0.028). CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) practices among the study population were notably low. Overall level of knowledge predicted Menstrual Hygiene Management practice (AOR=4.206, p=0.028). We recommend providing free sanitary pads, improving sanitation facilities, addressing misconceptions, and increasing MHM education. Enhanced support from the government and NGOs is crucial to improve access to resources and services.