Problem Statement

Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) remains a significant public health challenge globally, particularly in resource-constrained settings like the Molyko-Buea community. Despite growing recognition of the importance of MHM for women’s health and well-being, there are persistent gaps in access to adequate menstrual hygiene resources, facilities, and education in many communities, which can have profound implications for the health, dignity, and socio-economic empowerment of women and girls (Hennegan et al., 2019).

In the Molyko-Buea community, young girls and women face numerous challenges related to MHM, including inadequate access to menstrual hygiene products, poor sanitation infrastructure, socio-cultural stigmas surrounding menstruation, and limited menstrual health education in schools and communities (Girod et al., 2017; Mason et al., 2013). These challenges are exacerbated by factors such as poverty, gender inequality, and insufficient government investment in menstrual health programs and services.

The lack of access to adequate MHM resources and facilities can have serious consequences for the health and well-being of women and girls in the Molyko-Buea community. Poor MHM practices can increase the risk of reproductive tract infections, urinary tract infections, and other gynecological problems, leading to significant morbidity and mortality among women and girls (Hennegan et al., 2019). Moreover, inadequate menstrual hygiene facilities in schools can contribute to absenteeism and school dropout rates among adolescent girls, perpetuating cycles of poverty and gender inequality (Sommer et al., 2015).

Addressing the challenges of MHM in the Molyko-Buea community requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses structural, cultural, and socio-economic barriers to menstrual health. Comprehensive menstrual health education programs are needed to dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding menstruation and promote positive attitudes towards MHM among young girls and women (Juma et al., 2018). Additionally, efforts to improve access to affordable and quality menstrual hygiene products, as well as the construction of menstrual hygiene-friendly facilities in schools and public spaces, are essential to ensure the dignity and well-being of women and girls in the community (Sommer et al., 2015).

Despite these challenges, there is a lack of comprehensive research on MHM in the Molyko-Buea community, hindering efforts to develop evidence-based interventions and policies to address the problem. This study aims to fill this gap by providing a detailed understanding of the factors contributing to poor MHM in the community and identifying strategies to improve menstrual health outcomes for women and girls. By addressing the root causes of inadequate MHM, this research has the potential to inform targeted interventions and policy initiatives that promote the health, dignity, and socio-economic empowerment of women and girls in the Molyko-Buea community (Girod et al., 2017).

Research Questions

1. What are the current menstrual hygiene practices among young girls and women in the Molyko-Buea community?
2. What are the barriers and challenges faced by young girls and women in accessing menstrual hygiene resources and facilities in the Molyko-Buea community?
3. What is the level of knowledge and awareness regarding menstrual hygiene among young girls and women in the Molyko-Buea community?
4. What are the socio-cultural factors influencing menstrual hygiene practices among young girls and women in the Molyko-Buea community?

Objectives

1. To assess the current menstrual hygiene practices, including the use of menstrual hygiene products and disposal methods, among young girls and women in the Molyko-Buea community.
2. To identify the barriers and challenges faced by young girls and women in accessing menstrual hygiene resources and facilities, including affordability, availability, and socio-cultural barriers, in the Molyko-Buea community.
3. To evaluate the level of knowledge and awareness regarding menstrual hygiene, including menstrual health education received, among young girls and women in the Molyko-Buea community.
4. To explore the socio-cultural factors, including beliefs, attitudes, and taboos surrounding menstruation, that influence menstrual hygiene practices among young girls and women in the Molyko-Buea community.

Hypotheses

1. Null Hypothesis (H0): There is no significant difference in menstrual hygiene practices between young girls and women of different age groups in the Molyko-Buea community. Alternative Hypothesis (H1): There is a significant difference in menstrual hygiene practices between young girls and women of different age groups in the Molyko-Buea community.

2. Null Hypothesis (H0): Socio-economic factors do not significantly influence access to menstrual hygiene resources and facilities among young girls and women in the Molyko-Buea community. Alternative Hypothesis (H1): Socio-economic factors significantly influence access to menstrual hygiene resources and facilities among young girls and women in the Molyko-Buea community.

3. Null Hypothesis (H0): There is no significant association between knowledge and awareness of menstrual hygiene and actual menstrual hygiene practices among young girls and women in the Molyko-Buea community. Alternative Hypothesis (H1): There is a significant association between knowledge and awareness of menstrual hygiene and actual menstrual hygiene practices among young girls and women in the Molyko-Buea community.

4. Null Hypothesis (H0): Socio-cultural factors, including beliefs and taboos surrounding menstruation, do not significantly influence menstrual hygiene practices among young girls and women in the Molyko-Buea community. Alternative Hypothesis (H1): Socio-cultural factors significantly influence menstrual hygiene practices among young girls and women in the Molyko-Buea community.