The perceptions of female youth regarding menstruation hygiene management in Kameeldrift, Tshwane

Abstract

Menstruation is a sexual reproductive health issue that has drawn much attention in the research atmosphere and a sensitive topic to talk about openly. Regardless of menstruation being a normal and natural event, it affects most young girls and women.

The present study aims to explore and describe the perceptions of female youth regarding menstruation hygiene management in Kameeldrift, Tshwane. The research adopted a qualitative approach and a phenomenological research design was chosen to explore and describe the lived experiences and perceptions of female youth regarding menstruation hygiene management. Purposive sampling and snowball sampling were simultaneously used to choose appropriate participants with menstruation experience. A sample of ten female youths who were menstruating was selected. Data collection was conducted through face-to-face interviews with the ten female youths, including a participant for pilot study which formed part of the main study.

The study revealed limited knowledge and understanding of menstruation and the menstruation cycle among the female youths. The school was said to be the main source of information on the menstruation cycle through Life Orientation classes. The findings further revealed that the onset of menstruation of female youths ranges from 13 years to 18 years of age. Lack of preparedness to manage the onset of menstruation was reported by some participants while others indicted that they were prepared and supported during menarche. The participants reported feelings of fear, sadness, depressed and embarrassment to disclose menstruation. Participants also reported experiences of pain during menstruation and how menstruation deprived them from socialising. The study revealed that cultural practices related to religion forbid menstruating female youth from participating in household chores. The findings also showed limited information about menstruation hygiene management and that female youths associated menstruation hygiene with purity due to information received from their family members. Challenges associated with sanitation and disposal facilities that pose a threat to their health and lack of privacy were reported. Although the study findings indicated that participants had access to adequate supply of water, the water points were located far from the female youths’ residence. Another major outcome of the study is the lack of social work intervention, assistance and involvement in reproductive health education in the community.

The study recommended conducting the study on a larger scale to have a deeper understanding of the perceptions and experiences of female youth regarding menstruation and the menstruation cycle; raising awareness and educating communities; and celebrating menstrual hygiene annually on the 28th May. The reason for celebrating menstrual hygiene on the 28th May is to emphasise the significance of good menstruation hygiene management and to break menstruation stigma.

Key Words: Perceptions, menstruation hygiene management, menstruation, menarche, female, youth, Tshwane, Kameeldrift,