Engaging boys in menstrual hygiene management (MHM) interventions in Bangladeshi schools: a pilot study to assess acceptability and feasibility

Abstract

Educating boys about puberty and menstruation has been hypothesized to aid in reducing menstrual stigma and negative attitudes about menstruation. We developed and piloted a school-based intervention for girls and boys to increase knowledge about puberty and foster a more supportive environment for menstruating schoolgirls. In this sub-study, we conducted 24 formative in-depth interviews and four group vignette exercises for schoolboys to develop the intervention package. We then carried out pre- and postintervention surveys and conducted four follow-up focus group discussions to determine the feasibility, acceptability, and effects of the intervention package among schoolboys and to develop recommendations for scale up. During the formative phase, boys reported minimal knowledge concerning puberty but felt puberty education was vital for all. Following the intervention, boys' awareness of menstruation increased compared to baseline [PD: 15%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2, 29]. The reported comfort level of discussing puberty-related issues in a school club or with friends also increased [PD: 13%; 95% CI: 2, 24]. In focus groups, boys reported finding the sessions helpful and informative. Engagement of schoolboys, combined with well-delivered intervention materials and social and behavior change communication interventions is feasible and can contribute to a more supportive and girl-friendly environment in schools. HIGHLIGHTS Establishing a common pool of accurate information about puberty and menstruation creates room for open discussion and destigmatization of menstruation.; Engagement of schoolboys, combined with well-delivered intervention materials and social and behavior change communication interventions can contribute to more supportive and girl-friendly environments in schools. This in turn may contribute to lower school dropout rates.;

Keywords

• adolescent boys
• bangladesh
• in-depth interview
• menstrual hygiene management
• puberty curriculum
• social and behavior change communication