Data from: Socio-cultural factors influencing knowledge, attitudes and menstrual hygiene practices among Junior High School adolescent girls in the Kpando District of Ghana: A mixed method study

Background: Menstruation is scarcely discussed openly in Ghana due to social and religious beliefs concerning it. This has limited transfer of knowledge on menstruation to adolescents. In this study we examined socio-cultural factors affecting knowledge, attitudes and menstrual hygiene practices of Junior High School adolescent girls in the Kpando Municipality of Ghana. Materials and Methods: A mixed method approach was employed with 480 respondents. A survey was conducted among 390 adolescent girls using interviewer administered questionnaires whilst Focus Group Discussions using a discussion guide were conducted among 90 respondents in groups of 9 members. Descriptive, inferential statistics and content analysis were used to summarize quantitative and qualitative data respectively. Results: Fifty nine percent of the respondents had good knowledge of menstruation. Most (84.6%) of the students practiced good menstrual hygiene. Attending a private (AOR=0.19, 95% CI=0.09-0.40) and rural (AOR= 0.42, 95% CI=0.22-0.83, p=0.012) schools were significantly associated with reduced odds of practicing good menstrual hygiene. Good knowledge on menstruation was associated with increased odds of good hygiene practices (AOR=2.61, 95% CI=1.46-4.67, p=0.001). Qualitative results showed respondents were not given in-depth information on menstruation at menarche. Social and religious beliefs concerning menstruation were prominent and they influenced attitudes and practices such as isolation of menstruating girls and perception that menstruation was dirty and evil. Conclusion: Although, good menstrual hygiene practice was high, religious and social beliefs regarding menstruation were common. Most of these beliefs lead to menstrual related restrictions which limit desire to seek crucial menstrual information. It is necessary to expand the scope of menstrual health awareness beyond the school environment in both rural and urban areas to eradicate menstrual misconceptions and restrictions.