Study Reveals Challenges in Menstrual Hygiene Practices Among IDPs

In a cross-sectional study conducted in the IDPs camps of Shire town in the Tigray region of Ethiopia, researchers investigated menstrual hygiene management practices among reproductive age females. Menstruation is a natural occurrence for females of reproductive age, but improper management can lead to health complications and reduced quality of life. The study aimed to assess menstrual hygiene practices and factors affecting them among females living in the IDPs camps.

The research involved 633 reproductive age females in Shire town from May to June 2022. Data analysis revealed that only 41.9% of the females had good menstrual hygiene management practices. Factors such as access to sanitary materials, educational level, availability of continuous water supply, and sex-separated latrines significantly influenced menstrual hygiene practices. These findings indicated that more than half of the reproductive age females did not have good menstrual hygiene practices.

Globally, about 2 billion females experience menstruation, emphasizing the importance of proper menstrual hygiene management for reproductive age females. Achieving Sustainable Development Goals requires improving menstrual hygiene practices, especially in low-income countries like Ethiopia. Challenges related to menstrual hygiene management are exacerbated in times of crisis, such as displacement situations in IDPs camps.

In Ethiopia, previous studies have shown varying prevalence rates of good menstrual hygiene management among females. However, due to the lack of evidence regarding MHM in IDPs camps in Tigray, this study was crucial to understanding the current status of MHM practices. The study revealed that access to sanitary materials, continuous water supply, educational level, and sex-separated latrines were key factors influencing good MHM practices among the reproductive age females in IDPs camps.

The study had its limitations, including the cross-sectional design and potential social desirability bias. The research focused on the implications of WASH services on MHM practices, overlooking cultural and social norm factors. Despite these limitations, the study highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts to improve menstrual hygiene practices by ensuring access to sanitary materials, promoting education on proper MHM practices, and providing supportive initiatives in humanitarian settings.

In conclusion, the study shed light on the challenges faced by internally displaced reproductive age females in maintaining good menstrual hygiene practices. Access to sanitary materials, water supply, separate latrines, and education were identified as critical factors influencing MHM practices. Collaborative efforts involving government, NGOs, and communities are essential to enhancing menstrual hygiene practices and protecting the health and well-being of reproductive age females in IDPs camps.