Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi

THE EFFECTS OF REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AWARENESS ON MENSTRUAL HEALTH HYGIENE AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN BENUE STATE, NIGERIA

Terungwa Mpem, Elizabeth Ashide Achir & Hilda Hembadoon Targema

Abstract

Many adolescent girls lack appropriate and sufficient information regarding menstrual hygiene. This may result in incorrect and unhealthy behaviour during their menstrual period. This study examined reproductive health awareness and menstrual hygiene among adolescents in Benue State, Nigeria. The theory of planned behaviour (TPB) was used for this study. Multi-stage cluster sampling method was used to select 400 respondents for the study. Questionnaires and key informant interview were used as instruments of data collection. The study revealed that, a majority of the respondents were aware of reproductive health and menstrual hygiene. It was also found that reproductive health awareness can affect the practice of menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls in Benue state. The study suggested that teenage girls should be educated about reproductive health, sanitary pads should be provided free to teenage girl by the government especially at primary and junior secondary schools, parents should feel free discussing reproductive health issues with adolescent girls and teaching of reproductive health should be intensified at all levels of education.

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