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A Qualitative Study Exploring Menstruation Experiences and Practices among Adolescent Girls Living in the Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Uganda

Author

Listed:
  • Elizabeth Kemigisha

    (Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 1410 Mbarara, Uganda
    Both authors contributed equally to this manuscript.)

  • Masna Rai

    (Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Centre for Environmental Health, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
    Both authors contributed equally to this manuscript.)

  • Wendo Mlahagwa

    (Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 1410 Mbarara, Uganda)

  • Viola N. Nyakato

    (Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 1410 Mbarara, Uganda)

  • Olena Ivanova

    (Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Centre of the University of Munich (LMU), 80802 Munich, Germany)

Abstract

(1) Background : Girls in low- and lower-middle income countries face challenges in menstrual health management (MHM), which impact their health and schooling. This might be exacerbated by refugee conditions. This study aimed at describing menstruation practices and experiences of adolescent girls in Nakivale refugee settlement in Southwestern Uganda. (2) Methods : We conducted a qualitative study from March to May 2018 and we intentionally selected participants to broadly represent different age groups and countries of origin. We conducted 28 semistructured interviews and two focus group discussions. Data were transcribed and translated into English. Analysis included data familiarization, manual coding, generation and refining of themes. (3) Results : Main findings included: (a) challenging social context with negative experiences during migration, family separation and scarcity of resources for livelihood within the settlement; (b) unfavorable menstruation experiences, including unpreparedness for menarche and lack of knowledge, limitations in activity and leisure, pain, school absenteeism and psychosocial effects; (c) menstrual practices, including use of unsuitable alternatives for MHM and poor health-seeking behavior. (4) Conclusions : A multipronged approach to MHM management is crucial, including comprehensive sexual education, enhancement of parent–adolescent communication, health sector partnership and support from NGOs to meet the tailored needs of adolescent girls.

Suggested Citation

  • Elizabeth Kemigisha & Masna Rai & Wendo Mlahagwa & Viola N. Nyakato & Olena Ivanova, 2020. "A Qualitative Study Exploring Menstruation Experiences and Practices among Adolescent Girls Living in the Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Uganda," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-11, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:18:p:6613-:d:412042
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Marni Sommer & Bethany A Caruso & Murat Sahin & Teresa Calderon & Sue Cavill & Therese Mahon & Penelope A Phillips-Howard, 2016. "A Time for Global Action: Addressing Girls’ Menstrual Hygiene Management Needs in Schools," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 13(2), pages 1-9, February.
    2. Colin Sumpter & Belen Torondel, 2013. "A Systematic Review of the Health and Social Effects of Menstrual Hygiene Management," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 8(4), pages 1-15, April.
    3. Emily Oster & Rebecca Thornton, 2011. "Menstruation, Sanitary Products, and School Attendance: Evidence from a Randomized Evaluation," American Economic Journal: Applied Economics, American Economic Association, vol. 3(1), pages 91-100, January.
    4. Olena Ivanova & Masna Rai & Elizabeth Kemigisha, 2018. "A Systematic Review of Sexual and Reproductive Health Knowledge, Experiences and Access to Services among Refugee, Migrant and Displaced Girls and Young Women in Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-12, July.
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    1. Wonjung Ryu, 2020. "The Effect of Traumatic Experiences of North Korean Adolescent Refugees upon Their Negative Health Perception: Focusing on Multiple Moderating Effect of Problem-Focused versus Social Support-Focused C," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(24), pages 1-11, December.
    2. Jui-Che Tu & Ting-Yun Lo & Yi-Ting Lai, 2021. "Women’s Cognition and Attitude with Eco-Friendly Menstrual Products by Consumer Lifestyle," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-20, May.

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