Mensural Hygiene Management in Schools of Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Background: Management of menstruation as a biological occurrence for women of reproductive age and men’s role is determined by socio-cultural factors. There is dearth of evidence on men in general and boys support on menstrual hygiene and management. This study aims to identify school based menstrual hygiene and management interventions and the role of boys in Oromia region, Ethiopia.Method: The study was carried out in 2017-18 academic year in eight Oromia Development Association (ODA) supported public schools with sport for life interventions. Schoolboys and girls aged 12-15, parents and school teachers participated in the study. Focus Group Discussion with boys, girls, and key informant interviews with parents were completed. Data were transcribed and translated into English and themes were developed following the objectives. Interpretation and presentation of the findings were substantiated with quoted shared opinions. Result: Finding shows that after two years of school based sport for life intervention, study participants invariably recognized menstruation as a natural occurrence and is a blessing rather than a curse. Girls who used to shy and abstain from school for fear of bullying and teasing attended their classes regularly and became competitors in their academic performance. Common arguments by all participants alike show that ‘We learnt that menstruation is a mark of healthy growth of girls. The absence of it that should be the source of concern’ . With dedicated room and availability of water and sanitary napkin; and support from boys and schoolteachers and management of menstrual hygiene has improved at school level. Boys not only stopped teasing girls but also started contributing money to purchase sanitary napkins. Liaising such school level intervention with parents has extended support to girls at home level. Conclusion: School level non-curricular intervention that has involved not only students but also the school community and parents have brought fundamental change to the way menstruation was understood and its implications. Menstruation is no more a source of shame and reason to tease and bully girls with its far reaching implication on the school performance of girls. Further study using mixed method may help document specific changes and sustainability.