Schoolgirls' experiences of managing menstrual hygiene in Uganda

A Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice (KAP) Survey was conducted among 134 secondary schoolgirls in Uganda about their experiences of managing menstrual hygiene in school. The first part of this paper outlines how sensitive information was obtained by using participatory tools in small focus group settings. The second section summarises qualitative and quantitative findings about schoolgirls’ knowledge of biological facts and management methods, their attitudes about menstruation formed through their social and cultural environments, and their hygiene practices associated with accessing, changing, drying and disposing of sanitary products. The purpose of the study was to voice schoolgirls’ opinions about very real, but rarely addressed, monthly challenges.