Menstrual hygiene management practices and associated health outcomes among school-going adolescents in rural Gambia

Inadequate menstrual hygiene management (MHM) practices have been associated with adverse health outcomes. This study aimed to describe MHM among schoolgirls from rural Gambia and assess risk factors urogenital infections depressive symptoms. A cross-sectional was conducted adolescent in thirteen schools Gambia. questionnaire used collect information on socio-demographics, clinical symptoms of reproductive urinary tract (UTIs). modified Beck Depression Inventory-II screen for Mid-stream urine samples were collected UTIs. Modified Poisson regression analysis determine depression girls. Three hundred fifty-eight girls recruited. Although, 63% the attended providing free disposable pads, reusable cloths/towels commonest absorbent materials used. Heavy bleeding (adjusted prevalence ratio, aPR 1.4 [95% CI 1.0, 1.9]), while extreme pain (aPR 1.3 1.2, 1,4]), accessing sanitary pads school 1.5]) less access functional water source at 1.3, 1.6]) UTI Conversely, privacy toilets 0.6 0.5, 0.7]) protective 1.1, 2.0]) taking <30 minutes home RTI 1.2 availability soap 0.8] Interventions ensure that private sanitation facilities both could reduce More attention is also needed support heavy