Knowledge, attitude and practices on menstrual hygiene management among female students in Pahang public universities

Roselan, Yasmin Nurfitri and Jamani, Nurjasmine Aida and Kaderi, Mohd Arifin and Zainuddin, Norafiza (2024) Knowledge, attitude and practices on menstrual hygiene management among female students in Pahang public universities. Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 9 (1). pp. 1-9. E-ISSN 2550-147X

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Abstract

Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is fundamental in women's reproductive life and must be well-maintained to prevent unwanted diseases or infections. Proper hygienic practices such as using sanitary pads and frequently changing pads during heavy flow are essential during menstruation. Objective: To assess the level of knowledge, attitude, practices, and period poverty of MHM among female students in Pahang public universities and the association with selected socio-demographic characteristics. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 286 female students across three Pahang public universities: the International Islamic University Malaysia (Kuantan), Universiti Malaysia Pahang (Kuantan) and Universiti Teknologi MARA (Jengka). The questionnaires distributed consisted mainly of five parts: i) socio-demographic data, ii) level of knowledge, iii) attitude, iv) practice, and v) period poverty. Results: Most of the students have good knowledge (97.3%, 278), attitude (69.5%, 198) and practice (82.5%, 236) of MHM. Only 14.6% of students scored high on period poverty, indicating a low level of period poverty among these female students. In addition, it was indicated that the majority (85.4%, 244) of the female students did not struggle to afford menstrual products. Finally, there was a significant association between field of study (<0.001), race (0.020), and type of university (0.405), with knowledge and practice of MHM respectively. Conclusion: The knowledge, attitude, and practice of MHM among female students are adequate, although their attitude and practice on menstrual hygiene management need improvement in all aspects of menstrual hygiene for their future reproductive health. A minority of female students in the Pahang public universities struggled with period poverty and may need attention from the respective universities to overcome it.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Period, menstrual hygiene management, female students, Pahang public universities
Subjects:	R Medicine > RG Gynecology and obstetrics
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences > Department of Biomedical Science (Effective:1st July 2011) Kulliyyah of Medicine > Department of Family Medicine (Effective: 1st January 2011) Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences Kulliyyah of Medicine
Depositing User:	Dr. Norafiza Zainuddin
Date Deposited:	07 May 2024 09:07
Last Modified:	07 May 2024 09:07
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/112080

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