Examining the impact of menstrual hygiene management on academic achievement and mental health outcomes among school-going adolescent girls in Uganda

Washington University, Saint Louis MO

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Abstract

Adolescent gir1s in low- and middle-income countries often face significant challenges related to menstrual hygiene due to socio-economic constraints, cultural stigmatization, and lack of access to sanitary products. Without access to adequate menstrual hygiene management (MHM) products, gir1s have no choice but to resort to improvised and alternative methods for MHM, such as using leaves, cloth, or toilet paper. Moreover, inadequate MHM has been linked to school absenteeism, highlighting its importance for the well-being of adolescent gir1s. A study conducted by Miiro in Uganda showed that 19.8% of the gir1s in their study missed school at least once during their last menstrual cycle, with 17.3% reporting school absenteeism specifically during their menstrual day. These challenges significantly impact the educational outcomes and mental health challenges of adolescents leading to stress, anxiety and psychological issues. Poverty is a key factor hindering access of adolescent gir1s to sanitary pads (commercial products), potentially driving them to engage in transactional sex to secure these essential hygiene items and maintain their education. The proposed study will allow the candidate to: (1) acquire skills in mixed methods research and (2) gain a comprehensive understanding of menstrual hygiene management practices, attitudes, and the contextual factors that influence MHM practices, focusing particular1y on how they affect adolescent wellbeing, including mental health functioning. This study therefore, examines the effects of menstrual hygiene practices on the school attendance, academic performance, and mental health of adolescent gir1s in Southern Uganda, and aims to identify the sociercultural factors that influence these practices.The study will utilize an exploratory mixed-methods design integrating quantitative data from the Suubi4strongerFamilies project with qualitative interviews to assess the impact of menstrual hygiene on girls' lives, and quantitatively, analyze the relationship between Menstrual Hygiene management, mental health functioning and academic performance. This study will contribute to a deeper understanding of the multi-faceted impacts of menstrual hygiene management in Southern Uganda, aiming to inform targeted interventions and policy recommendations that can enhance the educational and health prospects of adolescent gir1s. The anticipated results will be instrumental for public health and education policy frameworks, contributing to the establishment of culturally appropriate and economically viable menstrual hygiene management interventions that advance gender equality and educational empowerment. Consistent with my training goals, the study will have the following specific aims: (1) To assess how menstrual hygiene relates to school attendance rates, academic achievement, and mental health among adolescent gir1s in Southern Uganda (Goal 1) and (2) To explore the effects of sociercultural factors on menstrual hygiene, educational experiences, and mental health of adolescent girls in Southern Uganda (Goal 2).