In Debre Markos town, Northwest Ethiopia, a study was conducted on menstrual hygiene practices among high school and preparatory school adolescent students. The research aimed to assess the management of menstrual hygiene and related factors among teenage students. The study involved 531 participants, with a high response rate of 96.2%.

The findings revealed that nearly half of the adolescent girls had good menstrual hygiene practices. Factors such as age, knowledge of menstruation, discussions with parents, and mothers’ occupation were significantly associated with good menstrual hygiene management. Adolescents aged 17 or older were more likely to have good menstrual hygiene practices, along with those who had better knowledge of menstruation and engaged in discussions about menstruation with their parents.

The qualitative study highlighted various challenges faced by menstruating girls in managing their hygiene effectively. These challenges included physical discomfort, anxiety about leaking, stress, embarrassment, and lack of resources. Additionally, the study identified the lack of proper facilities in schools, such as water supply, sanitary items, and private changing areas, as significant obstacles to practicing good menstrual hygiene.

Overall, the study emphasized the importance of addressing menstrual hygiene management in schools through educational interventions and improved facilities. It underscored the need for open discussions about menstruation, raising awareness among adolescents, parents, and communities, and providing adequate resources to support girls in managing their menstrual hygiene effectively. The study called for school-based programs aimed at improving knowledge and practices related to menstrual hygiene to ensure the well-being and academic success of adolescent girls.