School Absenteeism during Menstruation and Associated Factors: A School-based Study among Adolescents in the Tamale Metropolis, Ghana

Abstract

Introduction: Menstruation is a natural physiological process that can have significant implications for adolescent girls, particularly in low-resource settings where knowledge gaps and cultural taboos persist. In the Tamale Metropolis of Ghana, menstrual-related challenges contribute to school absenteeism, which can negatively impact educational outcomes and psychosocial well-being. Aim: This study seeks to enhance existing knowledge by evaluating the frequency of schoolgirl absence due to menstruation in Tamale Metropolis and the factors associated with it. Methods: The study used a cross-sectional survey with 293 adolescent schoolgirls. The study recruited six (6) schools in the Tamale Metropolis using multistage sampling. The questionnaire was used to collect the data from these students. Stata was used to analyze the data, and statistical significance was pegged at a p-value of less than 0.05. Results: Most respondents (87.4%) know about menstruation, and 85% know about menstrual hygiene. The primary sources of information are family (47.1%) and school (33.1%), with fewer getting information from friends (12.6%) or media (7.2%). The study showed that 35.2% of respondents missed school due to menstruation. Among those who missed school, most missed 1-2 days (61.2%), while 29.1% missed 3-4 days and 9.7% missed more than four days. The majority of the respondents (78.6%) experience severe menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea). Regarding menstrual products, 43.7% report inadequacy, while 56.3% have adequate supplies. The study shows that 49.5% of respondents experience feelings of anxiety during menstruation, while 50.5% do not. About 43.3% feel embarrassed about menstruation, and 56.7% do not. The study established a significant association between school absenteeism and Grade/Class Level (0.001), religious affiliation (0.002), ethnicity (0.042), mother’s education (0.026), mother’s occupation (0.014), and father’s occupation (0.017). Conclusion: School attendance among adolescent girls in Tamale Metropolis is influenced by menstrual health. Facilitating information acquisition, ensuring the availability of menstruation products, and establishing nurturing surroundings can enhance educational achievements.