Predictors of Menstrual Hygiene Management Among Adolescent Girls (aged 10-19) in a resource-deprived setting in Bukedea District, Uganda

Abstract Background: Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is a public health challenge in resource-deprived settings and if not properly managed, menstruation can interrupt daily life. We collected data on MHM and factors predicting its adequacy among adolescent girls (10-19 years) in a rural setting of Bukedea District, Uganda. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study between December 2021 and March 2022 in 13 resource-deprived villages in Kangole and Kabarwa sub-counties of Bukedea district and randomly sampled 168 adolescent girls using an interviewer administered questionnaire and a checklist. MHM was deemed adequate if respondents reported that they had clean menstrual management material to absorb or collect blood, sufficient quantities of water and soap, were able to change menstrual materials at least thrice a day, in privacy, and dispose of used menstrual material at designated facilities. Fisher’s Exact Test was used to determine significant associations while the factors independently associated with adequacy of MHM were determined using modified Poisson regression analysis and reported as adjusted prevalence rate ratios (aPRR) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Of 168 participants enrolled, MHM was adequate for 21 (12.5%) and the likelihood of adequacy was higher among girls who had menarche before 11 years of age (aPRR 4.02; 95% CI 1.45 – 11.12), were aged 19 (aPRR 3.31; 95% CI 1.58 – 6.93), or were attending the local high school (aPRR 2.99; 95% CI 1.34 – 6.68). Conclusions: The adequacy of MHM among adolescent girls in Bukedea District is considerably lower than the national average. Increasing access to secondary education could promote adequate MHM.