What Affects Menstrual Hygiene Behaviour of Full-day School Adolescents?

Introduction: Because of full-day school system, adolescents spend more time at school than at home. A tight school schedule likely make school female adolescents neglect menstrual hygiene management; consequently, some reproductive health problems might arise. This study analyzed whether knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, availability of facilities, availability of information, and social support are correlated with menstrual hygiene behaviour of full-day school adolescents. Methods: This study used a correlation analysis with a cross sectional approach. It was conducted at a junior high school in Surabaya. Randomly elected as samples, 139 adolescents filled out questionnaires. Data were analyzed using the Spearman's rho test. Results: Knowledge (p = 0.000), attitudes (p = 0.003), beliefs (p = 0.000), availability of facilities (p = 0.001), availability of information (p = 0.000) and social support (p = 0.004) were associated with menstrual hygiene behaviour of full-day school adolescents. Conclusion: Knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, availability of facilities, availability of information and social support are related to menstrual hygiene behaviour of full-day school adolescents. Adolescents could possess menstrual hygiene behaviour as they have good knowledge, positive attitudes, and beliefs. Availability of facilities and information are also factors that support menstrual hygiene behaviour. Social support from parents, teachers, and peers prominently encourages adolescents to keep practicing menstrual hygiene behaviour while being at school.