COMPLETE SCHOOL PROJECT TOPICS & MATERIALS :
CHAPTERS: Chapter 1-5
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KNOWLEDGE OF MENSTRUAL HEALTH AMONG STUDENTS ATTENDING SELECTED SECONDARY SCHOOL IN IGANDO, LAGOS STATE.
Abstract
The health problems of students are very special. Menstrual disorders such as amenorrhea, abnormal/ excessive uterine bleeding, dysmenorrhea, and premenstrual syndrome are particularly common in adolescent girls. Although menstrual irregularities may be normal during the early postmenarchal years, pathological conditions require proper and prompt management. This study reviews menstrual cycle and menstrual disorders. The knowledge of the normal menstrual cycle is very important in managing these disorders properly.
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study
Menstruation, is the periodical flow of blood from the uterus through the cervix and out through the vagina, and it is also called a “period”. Menstruation occurs during the years between puberty and menopause. Monthly menstrual periods are a normal part of a woman’s life. Menstruation is essential for the renewal of the uterine lining in preparation for pregnancy. The process of degeneration of endometrial bed and removal of the same though vagina occurs at regular interval and is called the menstrual cycle. The menstrual cycle provides important body chemicals, called hormones, to keep healthy. It also prepares body for pregnancy each month. A cycle is counted from the first day of 1 period to the first day of the next period. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days long. Cycles can range anywhere from 21 to 35 days in adults and from 21 to 45 days in young teen [Bayer 2020]. It is intended to discuss about this physiological process and associated complications in detail in the following sections including traditional ways to get relief from such discomforts highlighting the herbs and home remedies commonly used.
The median age of menarche is 12.9 years.2 The length of the normal menstrual cycle is highly variable. Normal menstrual cycles are characterized by a cycle length of 28 days (+ 7 days), a duration of flow of 4 days (+ 2 days), and a blood loss of 40 mL (+ 20 mL).3 The mean volume of menstrual blood loss is 43 mL, with a normal range of 20-80 mL.4
Abnormal/irregular menstrual patterns are common during the first 2 years after menarche and the variability in cycle length is greater during adolescence than adulthood; thus greater irregularity is acceptable if significant anemia or hemorrhage is not present.
In Nigeria, the onset of menstruation typically begins between the ages of 9 and 16 (Moronkola 2022). However, cultural taboos, inadequate education, and lack of communication about menstruation contribute to poor understanding and management of menstrual disorders among adolescents (Aniebue, 2021). Many young girls face challenges in accessing accurate information about menstrual health and may not seek appropriate medical care when experiencing menstrual disorders (Omigbodun & Omigbodun, 2024).
Lagos State, one of Nigeria’s most populous regions, is home to a diverse population with varying socio-economic backgrounds. In Igando, a suburban area in Lagos, the situation is no different. Many secondary school students lack adequate knowledge about menstrual disorders, which affects their health-seeking behavior. This lack of knowledge can lead to untreated menstrual issues, affecting their academic performance, mental health, and overall quality of life (Nwankwo, 2021).
1.2 Statement of the problem
Menstrual disorders are a common problem in students. These disorders are often the source of anxiety for the patients and the families. The common menstrual disorders in students are amenorrhea, abnormal/excessive uterine bleeding, dysmenorrhea, and premenstrual syndrome.
Cycles are abnormal if they are longer than 8 to 10 days in duration or if more than 80 mL of blood loss occurs, particularly after the first 2 years from the onset of menarche. It is very difficult to quantify the blood loss however; soaking more than 25 pads or 30 tampons during a menstrual period is usually abnormal.
This study addresses the following research problem: What is the level of knowledge about menstrual disorders among secondary school students in Igando, Lagos State, and how does this knowledge influence their health-seeking behavior?
1.3 Objectives of the study
The main objective of this study is to assess menstrual cycle and its disorders. Specifically, the study sought to:
- To examine the causes of menstrual health seeking behaviour among secondary school students in Igando, Lagos State.
- To examine the knowledge of menstrual disorders among secondary school students in Igando, Lagos State.
- To evaluate the health-seeking behavior of students when they experience menstrual disorders.
- To recommend strategies for improving menstrual health education and access to healthcare services for students in Igando, Lagos State.
- Research Questions
The study aims to answer the following research questions:
- What are the causes of menstrual disorders among students in selected secondary schools in Igando, Lagos State?
- What knowledge of menstrual disorders does students in the study area have?
- How do students seek healthcare when they experience menstrual disorders
- What strategies can be implemented to improve menstrual health education and healthcare access for students?
- Research Hypotheses
The following hypotheses will guide this study:
H1: There is a significant relationship between students’ causes of menstrual disorders and their health-seeking behavior.
H2: There is a significant relationship between students’ knowledge of menstrual disorders and their health-seeking behavior.
H3: There is a significant relationship between students’ seeking of health care of menstrual disorders.
H4: There is a significant relationship between strategies implemented of improving menstrual health and their health-seeking behavior.
1.6 Significance of the Study
This study is carried out on menstrual cycle and its health. The study will be of benefit to the female gender. This study will help in detecting disorders in the menstrual cycle of a woman. These disorders can be easily detected by the reduction of blood flow or the increase in the duration of flow (number of days).
This study will also be of benefit to researchers and academics as it will be used as a material guide for those carrying out research related to the present study. Understanding the knowledge and health-seeking behavior of students regarding menstrual disorders can inform public health initiatives aimed at improving reproductive health education and healthcare services in Lagos State.
The findings can guide educators and policymakers in designing effective menstrual health education programs that address students’ needs and cultural sensitivities. Identifying barriers to healthcare access can lead to the development of strategies to improve healthcare services for adolescents experiencing menstrual disorders. By improving knowledge and awareness about menstrual health, the study can empower young women to take control of their reproductive health and seek appropriate care when needed.
- Definition of Terms
Menstrual Disorders: Conditions that affect the normal menstrual cycle, including dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, menorrhagia, and irregular menstruation.
Health-Seeking Behavior: Actions and decisions taken by individuals to seek medical care or treatment when experiencing health issues.
Dysmenorrhea: Painful menstruation that can interfere with daily activities.
Amenorrhea: The absence of menstruation for one or more menstrual cycles.
Menorrhagia: Abnormally heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding.
Reproductive Health: A state of physical, mental, and social well-being in all matters relating to the reproductive system.