Knowledge and practice toward menstrual hygiene management and associated factors among visual impaired adolescent girls: a case of two selected institutions in Rwanda.

Background: Menstruation is a universal and normal phenomenon during the reproductive age of females; adolescence is an essential period where females are preparing and adjusting themselves to manage their menstrual bleeding safely and cleanly. Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is an issue that is insufficiently acknowledged and has not received adequate attention among visually impaired adolescent girls (VIAGs).

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the knowledge and practice of MHM and associated factors among VIAGs of selected institutions in Rwanda.

Design: This study consisted of a cross-sectional study design using a quantitative approach.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in April and May 2021 on 92 VIAGs. They were recruited from educational institutions in two Provinces in Rwanda. Voluntary participation and confidentiality were assured. Socioeconomic and demographic data, menstruation, and menstrual hygiene questionnaires were used to obtain the required information. Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences (SPSS) for Windows version 25 was used. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, and logistic regressions were used for data analysis.

Results: The study reached 92 respondents. The majority of the respondents, 67.4% had a poor level of menstruation and menstrual hygiene knowledge while only 32.6% had a good level of menstruation and menstrual hygiene knowledge. Also, it is confirmed that the majority of respondents, 52.1% had a good level of practice, while 47.8% had a poor level of menstrual hygiene practice. The multivariable analysis revealed that factors associated with the menstrual hygiene practice were as follows: the mother's education (odds ratio (OR): 5.979; 95% CI: [1.700-21.032]; p value: 0.005) and level of knowledge of menstruation and menstrual hygiene (OR: 0.132; 95% CI: [0.028-0.622]; p value: 0.010).

Conclusion: The knowledge and practice of MHM among VIAGs were poor. Recommendations included the need for mothers to assist their daughters in improving learning and practice of menstrual hygiene, as well as the integration of MHM into school curricula. Further research is suggested to better understand MHM among Rwandan adolescent girls, both visually impaired and non-blind.