SECONDARY SCHOOL GIRLS' AWARENESS OF AND PROFICIENCY WITH MENSTRUATION MANAGEMENT IN MAKARFI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

There is a significant knowledge gap regarding women's cycles and menstrual
hygiene in many social contexts because menstruation is not always directly observed in
homes, schools, and communities. This disparity also brings up questions about menstrual
cleanliness and treatment. In addition to the lack of knowledge, girls require access to water,
sanitary toilets, personal hygiene products that have been disinfected and kept, and referral
centres where their long-term health may be guaranteed. This study looked into how female
students in government secondary schools in Makarfi Local Government Area were treated and
informed about their monthly menstrual cycles. In the study, the survey design was used.
Participants were drawn from four randomly chosen public junior high schools in the study
area using a multi-stage random testing technique. Following a thorough investigation, the
responses were expressed as percentages. It is suggested that community health professionals
be given the authority to visit schools in order to offer counselling services and teach seminars
at the community and school levels in light of the study's findings. The study concludes that it
is crucial to continue teaching girls about menstrual cycles, menstrual cleanliness, and how to
take care of school-age girls. Governments and non-governmental organisations should
simultaneously supply all girls with sanitary napkins and other menstrual hygiene stations and
services.