Menstrual Knowledge and Health Care behavior among Adolescent Girls in Rural, Nigeria
Busari, A.O.

Abstract
This study assessed menstruation knowledge, attitudes and health care behaviour among the adolescent girls in the Northern part of Oyo State. The study adopted a descriptive/analytical cross-sectional approach 1500 adolescents were selected at random, using a cluster random sampling method. The research instrument used was 28-items questionnaire tagged Menstrual Knowledge, Practices and Health Care Behaviour (MKPHCBQ). The instrument has a reliability co-efficient of 0.68. The participants’ overall mean age at menarch was 13 years, the average duration of menstrual flow was five days and 28 days was the mean menstrual cycle. 87% reported having regular menstruation. It was found that more participants experienced dysmenorrhea during menstrual than during pre-menstrual periods. It was also found that participants’ mothers’ level of education determines the type of materials to be used as absorbent. 63% had positive attitude towards menstruation while only 7% consult medical doctor when experiencing menstrual problems. 38% of the participants used paracetamol when experiencing menstrual problems. One twenty girls reported to be absent from school. It was concluded that only a few of the girls seek medical advice and that they should be taught appropriate menstrual and health hygiene.

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