Submission ID 116899
| Issue/Objective | Background: Menstrual health and hygiene are crucial for adolescent girls' well-being but remains a challenge in low- and middle-income countries like Ghana. This study aimed to determine the relationship between menstrual health needs and psychological distress among adolescent girls. |
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| Methodology/Approach | Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in five districts of the Volta Region, involving 1,161 senior high school female students. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, Menstrual Practice Needs (MPNS-36), and mental health outcomes (PHQ-9, GAD-2, DASS-21). Spearman's correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression analyses were used to examine relationships between menstrual practice needs and mental health outcomes. |
| Results | Results: The study found moderate levels of unmet menstrual practice needs, with significant disparities between home and school environments. Transport, school environment needs, and material reliability concerns showed the lowest satisfaction levels. Mental health assessments indicated that 41.0% of students experienced mild depressive symptoms, 22.2% reported moderate depression, and 2.9% experienced severe depression. Additionally, 22.8% of students reported severe anxiety, and 38.3% experienced elevated stress levels. Correlation analyses showed significant negative associations between menstrual practice needs and mental health outcomes. Factors such as higher maternal education, media access, and boarding school status positively influenced menstrual practice needs satisfaction, while older age and higher levels of psychological distress were associated with more unmet needs. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | Conclusion: The findings demonstrate the interplay between menstrual health needs and psychological well-being among high school girls in the Volta Region. The research calls for targeted interventions to improve school sanitation facilities, combat period poverty, and provide mental health support for adolescent girls. Improving menstrual health and reducing psychological distress could significantly enhance adolescent girls' overall well-being and educational experiences. |
| Presenters and affiliations | Sitsofe Gbogbo University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) Wisdom Axame University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) Israel Wuresah University of Health and Allied Sciences Emmanuel Gbogbo University of Health and Allied Sciences Priscilla Klutse University of Health and Allied Sciences Nuworza Kugbey University of Environment and Sustainable Development Ishmael Boateng University of Health and Allied Sciences Paramount Eli Nelson University of Health and Allied Sciences Sarah Odi Mantey University of Health and Allied Sciences Victor Christian Korley Doku Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London Julie Hennegan Maternal, child and adolescent health program, Burnet Institute Frank Baiden University of Health and Allied Sciences Fred Binka University of Health and Allied Sciences |
