Evaluating Menstrual Hygiene Practices and School Absenteeism Among Adolescent Girls in Lumbini Province, Nepal

This study applied cross-sectional study design to investigate the relationship between menstrual hygiene practices and school absenteeism among adolescent girls in grades nine and ten in Lumbini Province, Nepal. The research investigated how social norms, religious customs, and the availability of facilities and hygiene products affect girls' involvement in school activities while menstruating. The study used a purposive sampling method to recruit participants and self-administered semi-structured questionnaires to collect the data. Key findings include more than one-third of the participants who experienced menarche at the age of 13 years. Among the total participants, 61% received information about menstruation primarily from friends and family members. Notably, 40% of participants were adversely affected by the lack of safe hygiene facilities and resources at school. Furthermore, 43% reported missing homework submissions and class tests during menstruation, while 32% missed regular learning and extracurricular activities. Additionally, 17% missed final examinations and had to repeat the same class. The study suggests the need for targeted programs to improve school infrastructure and implement additional arrangements for missed assignments and final examinations to address the challenges faced by adolescent girls in Lumbini Province, Nepal. Key words: Menstrual hygiene practices, school absenteeism, adolescent girls, social norms, infrastructure, educational interventions. and Nepal.