Knowledge and practice of menstrual hygiene among adolescent school girls in Umunna, Imo State, Southeast Nigeria: implications for parents, healthcare providers and policy makers

Background: Menstrual hygiene management is critical in the life of the woman. For optimal attendance and participation in school activities, future reproductive and sexual health; quality menstrual hygiene practice is crucial. The objective of this study was designed to assess the knowledge, practice and challenges of menstrual hygiene management among the adolescentsMethods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a community secondary school girls from 1st May to 30th June 2016.  Data was collected with a semi-structured pre-tested questionnaire and analyzed with statistical software as appropriate.Results: A total of 416 (97.4%) of the respondents were analyzed. Their mean chronological age and age at menarche were 15±2.1 years and 12.9±0.7 years respectively. Most (77.9%) of the respondents had premenarchal menstrual hygiene knowledge and mothers (68.8%) were the main source of information. Sanitary pad (56.3%) and cloth (31.2%) were the most commonly used absorbents.  Sanitary pad use was higher in respondents whose mothers had higher level education (RR=6.3, p<0.001). Most of the respondents changed absorbent twice or less daily (77.4%), bathed at least twice (77.4%), washed vulvoperineal region with soap and water (50.2%) and wiped perineum front to back (72.8%).  Burning (51.9%) and refuse dump (26.0%) were the main disposal methods and 48.1% washed hands before and after changing menstrual absorbent materials. Main menstrual disturbances were abdominal pain (37.7%) and malaise (18.5%) and main intervention was medication from patent medicine store (47.2%). Menstruation-related school absenteeism was 30.8%.Conclusions: There was poor premenarchal menstrual awareness and inappropriate menstrual hygiene practices among adolescent schoolgirls

Patterns of utilization of orthodox and/or traditional healthcare services among pregnant women and mothers of under-five children in a rural community: Case study of Njaba, Imo State, Nigeria

Background: It has been stated that poor utilization of quality reproductive health service continues to contribute to maternal morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. Objective: The objective was to investigate the pattern of orthodox and/or traditional healthcare utilization among pregnant women and mothers of under.five children in Njaba and associated factors. Materials and Methods: A. cross.sectional survey of 422 women using multi.stage sampling, data collection instrument was a semi.structured interviewer.administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed with SPSS. (16.0) and Mathcad 7 professional. Frequency distributions and percentages were tabulated; Z.test was applied as a test of significance, and confidence intervals. (CIs) calculated. P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Ante.natal choice of care for 83.65% of them was orthodox healthcare, while 11.37% used traditional healthcare. Experienced/trained staff. (Z-score = 13.64, =0.000 and CI = 0.41–0.65) and neat environment. (Z-score = 13.98, =0.000 and CI = 0.45–0.69) were statistically significant reasons why the women preferred orthodox healthcare, whereas, good staff attitude. (Z-score = 12.57, =0.000 and CI = 0.62–0.80) was a statistically significant reason why some preferred traditional healthcare. Among the respondents who had delivered previously, 85.83% of the 374 deliveries were in orthodox healthcare facilities, while 14.17% were in traditional healthcare facilities. Conclusions: Majority used orthodox healthcare facilities because of experienced staff and neat environment, while some used traditional healthcare facilities due to better staff attitude. Attitudinal change in the orthodox facilities and training for traditional healthcare personnel are recommended

Prevalence and Sociodemographic Determinants of Malnutrition among Under-Five Children in Rural Communities in Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract Background: Malnutrition is a global issue with patterns and prevalence that vary significantly not only among different nations of the world but also in different region of a country. Methodology: This was a crosssectional descriptive study carried out among under-five children in households in rural communities in Imo State. The multi-stage sampling technique was used for the selection of subjects. Data was collected by direct measurement of anthropometric parameters as well as the use of a semi-structured questionnaire to obtain caregivers&apos; information. Result: This mean age of the children was 21.0 ± 17.9 months. The mean weight, height, MUAC, and Head Circumference of the children were 10.6±4.4kg, 82.7±13.7cm, 20.2±3.6cm and 51.5±0.8cm respectively. The prevalence of overweight/obesity, underweight, wasting and stunting were, 9.8%, 28.6%, 23.6% and 28.1% respectively. Conclusion: Based on our findings, there is high prevalence of malnutrition among underfive children in the studied communities, thus there is need to institute appropriate control measures by the relevant authorities to reverse this problem owing to the fact that most of the causes of malnutrition are preventable