Navigating Menstrual Health in Nigerian Secondary School:A school Nurse perspective

Menstruation is a pivotal aspect of adolescent girls' lives, yet it remains shrouded in silence, stigma, and misinformation. As a school nurse in Nigeria I've encountered a spectrum of experiences among students, each shaped by cultural beliefs, health challenges, and access to information. These stories underscore the  need for comprehensive menstrual health education and support within our schools.

During one of my healthcare sessions with some of the secondary school students where I work , they gave consent for their stories to be shared. Each one of the student had different stories as follows;

Chika's first encounter with menstruation was marked by confusion and fear. At 12, she experienced her first period without any prior knowledge or preparation. Her mother, unaware of the importance of early education on this topic, had never discussed menstruation with her. Consequently, Chika thought she was unwell and kept the incident to herself. It was only when she confided in a friend that she learned about menstruation. This lack of preparation led to anxiety and a sense of isolation during her initial menstrual cycles.

Amina's experience is marked by severe menstrual pain, known as dysmenorrhea. Each month, she endures intense abdominal cramps that often incapacitate her, leading to frequent admissions to the school clinic. These episodes can last up to three days, causing her to miss classes and fall behind in her studies. Despite seeking medical attention, the pain remains a persistent challenge, affecting her academic performance and overall well-being.

In contrast, Ngozi's family adheres to a longstanding tradition of using large tissue paper as menstrual absorbents. Her mother insists on this practice, believing it to be the best method. Despite my efforts to educate Ngozi about modern sanitary products and the importance of hygiene, Ngozi remains steadfast in her family's customs. This situation underscores the influence of cultural practices on menstrual health choices and the challenges of introducing change.

 A school caregiver to Blessing, a 12 years old girl living with cerebral palsy said ,Blessing doesn't know when her menstruation starts  in a month but she noticed  one day in school, her uniform was stained  ,she helped her clean up ,refreshed and protected her pant  with a sanitary pad  and after  she was off  school for 5days but her mother said she's fine when checked on .

Bimbo said her mother has imposed strict dietary restrictions during her menstruation, prohibiting the consumption of groundnuts and sugar. According to her mother, these foods can cause menstrual blood to become heavy and emit an unpleasant odor. Bimbo  finds these restrictions burdensome and dislikes the days she menstruates due to the associated dietary limitations and the stigma surrounding her period. SHE ASKED ; What is the relationship between eating groundnuts and sugar on menstrual health ?Others girls eat groundnuts and sugar too .Why shouldn't I?

Ifeoma's story is one of silent suffering. She experiences irregular menstrual cycles and often uses unsanitary materials due to financial constraints. Her condition has led to recurrent infections and a sense of shame, as she is reluctant to discuss her situation with anyone except the school Nurse .Ifeoma's experience highlights the intersection of poverty, lack of education, and inadequate access to menstrual hygiene products.

These stories highlight the multifaceted challenges some  girls face concerning menstruation. From lack of education and cultural beliefs to health complications and economic barriers, their experiences are diverse and complex. As a school nurse, I strive to provide support, education, and resources to empower these young girls, advocating for a future where menstruation is no longer a source of stigma but a natural part of life embraced with knowledge and dignity.

Together we can..

IamOluyemisi