Abstract

This paper explored factors affecting girls’ utilization of menstrual hygiene facilities in selected secondary schools in Eastern Province of Zambia. The objectives were to establish girls’ attitudes towards Menstrual Hygiene Management Facilities (MHMF) and to find out the kind of support girls received during menstruation. Interview, focus group discussion and observation were qualitative methods of collecting data. The findings showed that most of the menstruating girls did not use MHMF in schools because they were not conducive enough and were not properly cared for. The paper concludes that most girls stayed away from school when menstruating due to inadequate facilities which the girls found uncomfortable and unsafe to use. This paper recommends that the Ministry of Education (MoE) should ensure that a friendly and supportive Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) environment that provides menstrual accessories and adequate water, hygiene and sanitation facilities is provided.

Keywords: Menstruation, Menstrual hygiene, Menstrual hygiene management facilities, Practices