ABSTRACT

This research delves into the comprehension and management of menstrual challenges among adolescent girls in both urban and rural high schools within the Buea community. Menstruation represents a significant aspect of adolescent girls’ reproductive health, yet the extent of their knowledge and the efficacy of their coping strategies regarding menstrual issues remain understudied, particularly in diverse socio-economic settings. Through a mixed-methods approach involving surveys and interviews, data were collected from adolescent girls attending high schools in urban and rural areas of Buea. The study examines the depth of their understanding of menstrual health, their awareness of menstrual problems, and the strategies they employ to manage these challenges. Findings from this study aim to shed light on disparities in menstrual health education and resource availability between urban and rural high schools. Additionally, it seeks to identify effective approaches to enhancing menstrual health literacy and support mechanisms for adolescent girls in both settings. This research holds implications for policymakers, educators, and healthcare providers in designing targeted interventions to improve menstrual health education and support services for adolescent girls across diverse socio-economic backgrounds within the Buea community.

Chapter One: Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

Menstrual health represents a fundamental aspect of reproductive health for adolescent girls, influencing their physical, emotional, and social well-being. However, across diverse socio-economic settings, adolescent girls often encounter challenges related to menstrual health education, resource availability, and coping strategies. This study aims to explore the knowledge and management of menstrual problems among adolescent girls attending high schools in both urban and rural areas within the Buea community, addressing significant gaps in existing literature regarding menstrual health disparities in diverse settings.

Adolescence marks a critical period of physical and psychological development, during which girls experience menarche, the onset of menstruation. Despite its natural occurrence, menstruation is often accompanied by misconceptions, stigma, and inadequate support mechanisms, particularly in resource-limited settings (Sommer et al., 2015). In Cameroon, where cultural beliefs and socio-economic factors may influence health-seeking behaviors, addressing menstrual health challenges among adolescent girls requires tailored interventions that consider the unique contextual factors shaping their experiences.

Urban and rural settings present distinct challenges in terms of access to menstrual health education, menstrual hygiene products, and healthcare services. While urban areas may have greater access to resources and infrastructure, rural areas often face disparities in healthcare provision and education (Hennegan et al., 2017). Understanding these disparities is essential for designing equitable and effective interventions to promote menstrual health among adolescent girls across diverse settings within the Buea community.

Furthermore, inadequate menstrual health education in schools perpetuates myths and misconceptions surrounding menstruation, contributing to feelings of shame, embarrassment, and low self-esteem among adolescent girls (Kuhlmann et al., 2017). Research suggests that comprehensive menstrual health education programs can improve girls’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to menstruation, empowering them to manage menstrual challenges confidently (Hennegan et al., 2017). However, the extent to which such programs are implemented and accessible in urban and rural high schools in the Buea community remains unclear.

Socio-cultural norms and gender dynamics also play a significant role in shaping adolescent girls’ experiences of menstruation. In many communities, menstruation is surrounded by secrecy and taboos, limiting open discussions and access to accurate information (Mason et al., 2013). Moreover, economic constraints may restrict girls’ access to menstrual hygiene products, forcing them to resort to improvised materials or miss school during menstruation (Hennegan et al., 2016). These socio-cultural and economic factors intersect to influence girls’ perceptions of menstruation and their ability to manage menstrual problems effectively.

The dearth of research focusing on menstrual health disparities between urban and rural settings within the Buea community underscores the need for this study. By elucidating the knowledge and management of menstrual problems among adolescent girls in high schools, this research aims to inform evidence-based interventions that address disparities in menstrual health education, resource provision, and support mechanisms. By promoting menstrual health literacy, reducing stigma, and improving access to menstrual hygiene products and healthcare services, stakeholders can work towards enhancing the overall well-being and educational attainment of adolescent girls in both urban and rural areas of the Buea community.