Knowledge and peer support for increase Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) in adolescents

Abstract

Introduction: During the transitional period of reproductive function development, adolescents require special attention, one of which is menstrual hygiene management (MHM). Teenagers dealing with menstruation have little information and understanding due to the taboo assumption of being more comfortable communicating with peers. Therefore, this study aims to explain the relationship between knowledge and peer support with MHM in adolescent girls. Design and Methods: This study adopted a correlational descriptive design with a cross-sectional approach and 122 students in apublic Junior High School in East Java were selected using proportional simple random sampling. Furthermore, the questionnaire was adopted as the study instrument to measure the variables of knowledge level, peer support, and MHM. Data were then analyzed using Spearman Rho Test with a significance level of p<0.005. Results: The results showed that there is a significant relationship between the level of knowledge (p = 0.000 r = 0.619 and peer support (p = 0.000 r = 0.534) with MHM in adolescent girls. Conclusions: Adolescent girls with adequate knowledge and peer support have better MHM. Therefore, information and education about MHM are recommended for adolescents.

Keywords

• Reproductive health
• adolescent
• menstrual hygiene