“We pray for the night to be shorter, so we can change our menstrual pads”: A qualitative exploration of menstrual hygiene challenges among internally displaced adolescent girls in Northern Ethiopia, 2023

Background: Menstrual hygiene management is a critical aspect of adolescent health. However, access to adequate menstrual hygiene products and sanitation facilities is severely restricted during times of war. There is a dearth of information about the menstrual hygiene needs of adolescent girls during humanitarian crises. This study investigated the menstrual hygiene management needs of the internally displaced adolescent girls in the war-torn region of Tigray, Ethiopia. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in three centers for internally displaced people in Mekelle, Tigray Region. Four focus-group discussions and six in-depth interviews were conducted using the local language among 39 adolescent girls aged 13–19 years. The collected data were recorded, transcribed, translated, and analyzed using the ATLAS.ti-7.5.18 software through a qualitative thematic analysis approach. Results: Six primary themes were identified: 1) shortage of menstrual pads; 2) poor accommodation of latrine facilities; 3) silence around menstruation; 4) exchange of menstrual pads for life-saving commodities, 5) lack of privacy; 6) menstruation is a “curse” for adolescent girls living in displaced people’s camps. The study highlights the significant challenges faced by internally displaced adolescent girls in managing their menstrual hygiene while living in camps for internally displaced people. Lack of access to adequate menstrual hygiene management supplies often leads them to use rags or worn-out clothing instead of menstrual pads. Conclusion: Access to adequate menstrual hygiene products and sanitation facilities is severely limited among displaced adolescent girls in Tigray. The findings emphasize the urgent need to address menstrual hygiene issues during emergencies. Supplying essential items such as sanitary pads, soap, water, sanitation infrastructure, and improved information on menstrual hygiene management should be prioritized.