Schoolgirls’ experiences of changing and disposal of menstrual hygiene items and inferences for WASH

Cliff Oduor, Kelly T. Alexander, Kelvin Oruko, Elizabeth Nyothach, Linda Mason, Frank O. Odhiambo, John Vulule, Kayla F. Laserson, Penelope A. Phillips-Howard

In this randomized control study, schoolgirls in rural Western Kenya were assigned to use menstrual cups, sanitary pads, or traditional materials. All the students were given the same hygiene and sanitation training. The purpose of the study was to determine the sanitation levels in the schools by looking at girls' behaviors around reusing materials that are dropped. The results of the study showed that over half of the girls had dropped their menstrual hygiene product in the latrine area/in the latrine during the intervention. It was also shown that 24% of the girls who dropped their menstrual product reused it even without cleaning. The study also included qualitative in-depth key interviews, which indicated that the girls felt that the WASH facilities at their school were insufficient due to time constraints and high demand usage. The authors conclude that due to frequency of dropping menstrual hygiene products, there should be greater prevention efforts through improving WASH and sanitation conditions in schools.

Language

English

Authors

Oduor, C., Alexander, K. T., Oruko, K., Nyothach, E., Mason, L., Odhiambo, F. O., … Phillips-Howard, P. A.

Relevant locations

Kenya

Best suited for

School manager,School staff,Mhm trainer

Citation

Oduor, C., Alexander, K. T., Oruko, K., Nyothach, E., Mason, L., Odhiambo, F. O., … Phillips-Howard, P. A. (2015). Schoolgirls’ experiences of changing and disposal of menstrual hygiene items and inferences for WASH in schools. Waterlines, 34(4), 397–411. https://doi.org/10.3362/1756-3488.2015.037

Open acess

yes

Type of research

Qualitative,Quantitative,Randomized controlled trial

Year

2015