Browsing by Author "Masika, Charity"

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    The influence of peers on adolescents’ use of sanitary pads- a Case of Bushenyi -Ishaka municipality schools.
    (Kampala International University. School of Health Sciences Western Campus, 2013-12) Masika, Charity
    Background: It is documented that use of sanitary pads is higher in urban area and the choice of sanitary protection is a personal decision. Good hygienic practices are essential during menstruation and girls need access to clean, absorbent sanitary products and reliable information for good health. The most important reference groups in adolescence are the parents and peers, and it is well recognized that peers become increasingly important during this period. Objectives: To assess the influence of peers on the use of pads, the type of pads used and the hygienic habits of adolescents during their periods. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted from November – December 2013 on 150 school going adolescent girls in Ishaka Bushenyi municipality. A self administered standardized pretested questionnaire was used in the study. Results: 97.9% of the girls were aware of menstruation and mother was the major source of information. 95.9% of the girls had also heard about sanitary pads from majorly their mothers and majority – 97.2% were actually using sanitary pads, commonly influenced by their peers and mothers. As a result of their experience with pads, 79.6% had encouraged one of their peers to use sanitary pads and. The most commonly used sanitary pad was Always (51.1%) of the girls. 68.8% reported using 3-4 sanitary pads in a single day to avoid smelling and the pit latrine was the commonest disposal place for sanitary pads. Conclusion: As much as mother was the major source of information for the girls, peers affected the handling of pads almost equally with mother. The mothers and girls thus need to be equipped with accurate and reliable information so that adolescents practice safe menstrual habits.