Abigail Chuma Kalemba¹, Ireen Kamoto Phiri^1,, Oliver Phiri¹

This paper examined the Factors influencing Menstrual Hygiene Management among junior secondary school pupils at Libala, Chilenje and Kamwala. Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) aims at ensuring women and girls can manage their periods in a way that is not only healthy, but that enables their full participation in school, work, and other activities. This study allowed for a better understanding of the factors influencing Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) among junior secondary school pupils. The study revealed that most of respondents had good MHM practice and supportive MHM facilities. However, slightly more than half lacked knowledge on menstruation and MHM. Chi-square test revealed that socio demographics had a significant influence on the practice of MHM with a p value of 0.000 at 95% confidence level. Similarly, tradition and cultural concepts as well as home and school environment had significant influence on practice of MHM with a p value of 0.010 and 0.000 respectively at 95% confidence level. On the other hand, Knowledge on menstruation did not show a significant influence on MHM. This was demonstrated by a p value of 0.312 at 95% confidence level. This implies that stakeholders need to address the deficiencies identified in order to ensure safe menstruation and good MHM practice.

Menstrual Hygiene management, pupils, menstrual hygiene practice