KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE OF MENSTRUAL HYGIENE AMONG FEMALE UNDERGRADUATES IN THE DEPARTMENT OF NURSING SCIENCE, UNIVERSITY OF JOS, PLATEAU STATE

TOPIC IS SUITABLE FOR:
1-Department of Nursing Science
2-Department of Public Health
3-Department of Community Health
4-Department of Health Education

TOPIC: KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE OF MENSTRUAL HYGIENE AMONG FEMALE UNDERGRADUATES IN THE DEPARTMENT OF NURSING SCIENCE, UNIVERSITY OF JOS, PLATEAU STATE

TABLE OF CONTENT
Abstract
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
1.2 Statement of the Problem
1.3 Objective of the Study
1.4 Research Questions
1.5 Significance of the Study
1.6 Scope of the Study
1.7 Operational Definition of Terms
CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF LITERATURE
2.1 Conceptual Framework
2.2 Theoretical Framework
2.3 Empirical Review
2.4 Summary of Literature Review
CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY    
3.1 Research Design    
3.2 Research Setting         
3.3 Target population 
3.4 Sample size 
3.5 Sampling technique    
3.6 Instruments for data collection     
3.7 Validity and Reliability of Instrument
3.8. Pilot Study    
3.9 Method of data collection 
3.10 Method of data analysis     
 CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
4.0 Introduction
4.1 Data Presentation
4.2 Demographic Analysis 
4.3 Analysis of the Level of Knowledge of Menstrual Hygiene among female undergraduates in the Department of Nursing Science, University of Jos
4.4 Analysis of the Attitudes of Female Students Toward Menstruation and Menstrual Hygiene Management
CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
5.1 Discussion of Findings    
5.2 Implications of findings to nursing                            
5.3 Limitations of the study                            
5.4 Summary of the study                                      
5.5 Conclusion                                    
5.6 Recommendations                                 
5.7 Suggestions for further studies
References
Appendix

ABSTRACT
This study was carried out to examine the knowledge, and practice of menstrual hygiene among female undergraduates in the Department of Nursing Science, University of Jos. The study was specifically carried out to assess the level of knowledge of menstrual hygiene among female students, evaluate the attitudes of female students toward menstruation, assess the menstrual hygiene practices adopted by female students during their menstrual periods, and identify challenges faced by female students in maintaining proper menstrual hygiene within the Department of Nursing Science, University of Jos. The study employed the descriptive survey research design. The total population of the study was 213 female students of Department of Nursing Science, University of Jos, from which the sample size of 115 respondents was selected using multi-stage sampling technique comprising stratified and convenience sampling methods. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection, while the data collected were analyzed using frequency and percentage. On the other hand, the hypotheses were tested using Chi-square Statistical tool. From the responses obtained and analyzed, the findings reveal that 47.8% strongly agreed and 36.5% agreed that changing sanitary pads regularly is important, 39.1% disagreed and 26.1% strongly disagreed that menstruation is dirty, 52.2% strongly agreed and 33.0% agreed that handwashing before and after changing menstrual materials is practiced, and 45.2% strongly agreed and 37.4% agreed that lack of privacy hinders proper hygiene. Likewise, the study further revealed that institutional challenges such as inadequate water supply and limited access to sanitary materials significantly affect menstrual hygiene management. The study therefore recommends that the university should provide continuous menstrual health education programs, ensure availability of sanitary materials, improve water and sanitation facilities and organise peer support sessions to encourage students to practise proper menstrual hygiene habits.
Keywords: Menstrual Hygiene, Knowledge, Practices, Female Nursing Students.

CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION (Preview)
1.1 Background of the Study
The global health agendas have highlighted the interrelation between personal wellbeing, educational achievement and social engagement that necessitates inclusive health promotion strategies. According to Wong and Khoo (2021), health literacy plays an important role in influencing people's ability to make informed decisions throughout the life course. Similarly, Ahmad et al. (2021) state that preventive health behaviors are highly influenced by sociocultural norms and early life education. In this wider public health context, gender-responsive practices have become prominent especially in dealing with the distinct biological and social experiences of women. Hennegan et al. (2024) also note that the focus on gender-specific health needs leads to better psychosocial outcomes and academic activity. All these views place the reproductive health of women in a holistic approach of rights, education and wellbeing.
Within the sphere of reproductive health, menstruation is a natural physiological process that is experienced by females of reproductive age. Menstrual hygiene is a term that is used to refer to the practices and conditions that help women and girls to control their menstrual flow using sufficient materials, privacy, safety, and dignity. According to Thakur et al. (2021), effective menstrual hygiene involves the use of clean absorbent materials, frequent changing of absorbent materials, and proper washing of the body with soap and water. Bhusal (2020) further explains that access to correct information and conducive environments is part of the hygienic practices during menstruation. Al Mutairi and Jahan (2021) further explain that cultural beliefs and educational exposure determine the attitude towards menstruation and the influence on hygienic behaviors. Thus, menstrual hygiene is not only about personal cleanliness but also about knowledge, perceptions and enabling conditions that provide for safe menstrual management.
Knowledge, attitude and practice form a tripartite framework that is often used in public health research to measure health-related behaviours. Knowledge is awareness and understanding of physiological processes and recommended hygienic measures, whereas attitude is beliefs, perceptions and emotional responses towards menstruation. Practice refers to the observable actions during menstrual periods. Nemade et al. (2024) report that comprehensive knowledge of the physiology of menstruation is positively related to appropriate hygienic practices. Similarly, Sharma et al. (2024) report that positive attitudes towards menstruation contribute to the regular use of safe absorbent materials and appropriate disposal. Ndiritu et al. (2024) underscore the fact that the institutional environments, especially tertiary institutions, are important to support valid information and influence health behaviors in young adults. All these dimensions offer a systematic approach to the study of menstrual hygiene practices in particular educational settings.
The applicability of this framework is especially acute in the nursing education where students are supposed to internalize and model evidence-based health practices. Universities are environments for academic learning and professional socialization and thus have an impact on students' reproductive health knowledge and behaviors. Mumtaz et al. (2024) stated that female students in health-related disciplines tend to show a higher awareness of the concepts of menstrual health, which is a reflection of curricular exposure. Okafor-Terver and Chuemchit (2021) also underscored the significance of contextual evaluation in the understanding of menstrual hygiene patterns in particular institutions. In the context of University of Jos, the study of knowledge, and practice of menstrual hygiene offers an opportunity to place global and national perspectives in a local context of tertiary institutions.

1.2 Statement of the Problem
Health and wellbeing are becoming very important determinants of educational achievement and personal growth especially among young women in tertiary institutions. Menstrual hygiene management is an important aspect of reproductive health that influences physical comfort, mental health and academic participation (Wong & Khoo, 2021). Research shows that proper knowledge, positive attitudes, and effective practices related to menstrual hygiene are essential for the promotion of overall health and prevention of infection (Ahmad et al., 2021). Despite the efforts made globally to enhance the educational status of menstrual health, disparities still exist in both the awareness and practice of hygienic practices among female students in nursing and other health-related programs. Understanding the current status of menstrual hygiene knowledge, and practice gives insight on how well students are prepared to manage their reproductive health and to be future health advocates.
Although menstruation is a biological process that occurs naturally, there is evidence that there is great variation in the way young women manage their menstrual hygiene, often depending on education, cultural norms and institutional support (Thakur et al., 2021). Nemade et al. (2024) suggested that a lack of awareness and lack of hygienic practices remain even among students enrolled in health-focused programs, which is a gap between what is recommended and what is actually done. Ideal menstrual hygiene requires not only sufficient knowledge, but also a supportive environment, access to clean absorbent materials and adopting safe disposal practices (Al Mutairi & Jahan, 2021). The discrepancy between these ideal practices and the observed behavior among students indicate a critical need for context-specific investigation, especially among nursing colleges where students are expected to be the role model and promote health standards.
In the context of University of Jos, there is scant empirical data on the knowledge, and practices of female students on menstrual hygiene. Although there is a body of literature on the general trends of menstrual hygiene among adolescents and young adults, localized studies are limited. This research aims at assess the existing levels of knowledge, and menstrual hygiene practices among female undergraduates in the Department of Nursing Science, University of Jos so as to provide evidence-based information to guide specific interventions. 
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The main objective of this study is to critically assess the knowledge and practice of menstrual hygiene among female undergraduates in the Department of Nursing Science, University of Jos. Specifically, the study seeks to:
1.To assess the level of knowledge of menstrual hygiene among female undergraduates in the Department of Nursing Science, University of Jos.
2.To evaluate the attitudes toward menstruation and menstrual hygiene management among female undergraduates in the Department of Nursing Science, University of Jos.
3.To examine the menstrual hygiene practices adopted by female students of nursing science department during their menstrual periods.
4.To identify challenges faced by female students of nursing science department in maintaining proper menstrual hygiene within the institution.
OTHER PARTS OF CHAPTER ONE INCLUDE:
1.4 Research Questions
1.5 Research Hypothesis
1.6 Significance of the study
1.7 Scope of the Study
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms.

CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF LITERATURE (Preview)
This chapter critically examines relevant literature that would assist in explaining the research problem and, furthermore, recognizes the efforts of scholars who had previously contributed immensely to similar research. The chapter intends to deepen the understanding of the study and close the perceived gaps. This chapter, therefore, focuses on the concept of menstruation, the concept of menstrual hygiene, knowledge of menstrual hygiene, practices of menstrual hygiene, factors influencing menstrual hygiene practices, and the knowledge and practice of menstrual hygiene among female undergraduates in the Department of Nursing Science, University of Jos, Plateau State. The chapter covers the following subheadings:
2.1 Conceptual Framework
2.2 Theoretical Framework
2.3 Empirical Review
2.4 Summary of Literature Review

CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY (Preview)
Research Design: The study adopted a descriptive research design.
Population of the Study: The population of the study comprises all female undergraduate students currently registered in the Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Jos, Plateau State.
Sample Size Determination: The study adopted the Taro Yamane formula to determine a sample size of 139 participants.
Sampling Technique: The study employed a multi-stage sampling technique involving stratified and convenience sampling to select the individual respondents.
Research Instrument: The study utilized a structured questionnaire as the instrument for data collection.
Methods of Data Analysis: The collected data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations to summarize and present the demographic characteristics of the respondents and their responses. Inferential statistics, such as Chi-square, were used to test the hypotheses.

CHAPTER FOUR; DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
MAJOR FINDINGS (Preview)
The analysis results were presented in tables. Based on the results obtained from the analysis, the following findings are made:

i. The study found that female undergraduates in the Department of Nursing Science, University of Jos, have a high level of knowledge of menstrual hygiene, as evidenced by the majority of respondents agreeing that they understand the importance of changing sanitary pads regularly, the health risks associated with poor menstrual hygiene, and proper handwashing practices. The corresponding hypothesis test further showed a chi-square calculated value of 132.58, a chi-square critical value of 124.34, and a p-value of 0.021 (p < 0.05), leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis.

ii. The study found that female undergraduates in the Department of Nursing Science, University of Jos, demonstrate positive attitudes toward menstruation and menstrual hygiene management, as evidenced by the majority of respondents expressing confidence in discussing menstrual hygiene, recognizing its importance for health and comfort, and encouraging other female students to maintain good menstrual hygiene. The corresponding hypothesis test further showed a chi-square calculated value of 127.41, a chi-square critical value of 124.34, and a p-value of 0.038 (p < 0.05), leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis.

iii. The study found that female undergraduates in the Department of Nursing Science, University of Jos, generally practice good menstrual hygiene, as evidenced by the majority of respondents reporting that they change sanitary pads regularly, wash their hands before and after changing menstrual materials, dispose of used sanitary pads hygienically, and avoid sharing menstrual materials.

iv. The study found that female undergraduates in the Department of Nursing Science, University of Jos, face challenges in maintaining proper menstrual hygiene, particularly inadequate access to sanitary pads, insufficient water supply, and lack of privacy in hostels or bathrooms. These challenges may hinder their ability to maintain proper menstrual hygiene practices.

CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
This chapter covers the following outline:
5.1 Discussion of Findings
5.2 Implication of the Findings
5.3 Limitations of the Study
5.4 Summary 
5.5 Conclusion
5.6 Recommendations
5.7 Suggestions for Further Studies

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