Challenges and coping strategies adopted for effective menstrual hygiene management among intellectually disabled adolescents and their caregivers: A qualitative study

Ebenezer Kwesi Armah-Ansah, Dorothy Osei, Abdul-Aziz Seidu, Bright Opoku Ahinkorah

Abstract


Background: Menstruation is important for female life and reproductive health. The concern for parents or caretakers is how girls with intellectual disabilities (GWID) can have the capacity to handle menarche, menses, and sexual abuse. Therefore, this study explored the challenges and coping strategies adopted for effective menstrual hygiene management among intellectually disabled adolescents and their caregivers in Ghana. Methods: This is a cross-sectional qualitative study that involved three school caregivers, seven female intellectually disabled adolescents, and ten home-based caregivers. The study was carried out in the Asokore Mampong Municipality in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Thematic content analysis was used to analyze the data. Results: The study revealed that both home-based and institution-based caregivers and intellectually disabled adolescents experience challenges in dealing with menstrual hygiene. These challenges include intellectually disabled adolescents destroying unused pads and misusing them. Intellectually disabled adolescents complain of abdominal pain and discomfort during menstruation. Conclusion: Caregivers go through challenges when helping intellectually disabled adolescents manage menstruation, which was revealed by the study to be time-consuming. Addressing this issue can begin with training caregivers on the best measures to practice good menstrual hygiene among intellectually disabled adolescents. Motivation (monetary and any other form) should be given to caregivers especially institution-based caregivers to keep up with their work.

Keywords: Caregivers, intellectually disabled girls, adolescents, menstruation, menstrual hygiene management


Keywords


Caregivers, Intellectually Disabled Girls, Adolescents, Menstruation, Asokore Mampong Municipality, Menstrual Hygiene Management

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ISSN: 2454-6623