Acceptability of Re-Usable Sanitary Towels by Adolescent Girls' in Primary Schools in Bar-Sauri Sub Location, Siaya-County

Abstract

Millions of girls in Sub-Saharan Afri:a are disernpowered by the simple biological process of menstruation. Affordable an ! hygienic sanitary protection is not available to adolescent girls in many areas. Intr duction of reusable sanitary towel aimed at enhancing economic and environment sustainability has still not been fully utilized because of lower acceptability. In the MVP Sauri intervention programme on the adoption of re-usable sanitary towels, it was noted that menstruation is not just a private affair but had the potency to become public, embarrassing and often a source of stigma for the girls. Accessing re-usable sanitary protection was also tied to lack of facilities for the girls to dispose off used sanitary towels as well as lack of private spaces where the adolescent girls could comfortably change. This study sought to determine acceptability of re-usable sanitary towels by adolescent girls in primary schools in Bar Sauri Sub location, Siaya County. The specific objectives of the study were; to assess the extent re usable sanitary towels are acceptable among adolescent girls in Bar Sauri Sub location primary schools, to establish the socio cultural factors affecting the acceptability of reusable sanitary towels among adolescent girls in Bar Sauri Sub location primary schools and to analyze the socio economic factors affecting the acceptability of re-usable sanitary towels among adolescent girls in Bar Sauri Sub location primary schools. This study adopted the theory of Cultural ecology b v Julian Steward (1972) that stipulated how local cultures develop technological strategies and material practices to adapt to the ecological conditions. This study adopted cross s .ctional descriptive research design to enhance triangulation of data. The study was caned out in Bar Sauri Sub Location Siaya County. where the reusable sanitary towels intervention by Millennium Village Project was undertaken. The entire population of the respondents involved in the initial MVP programme was 222 pupils and they were all adopted for the study (Census). Primary Data was collected using questionnaires and focus group discussion. Secondary Data from surveys and reports (Dis.rict Education reports. Surveys from Millennium Villages Project and the Sauri baseline survey reports) were used in the study. Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 18 was used to perform descriptive statistics for quantitative data while qualitative dati'. from FGD were analyzed according to the emerging themes and sub themes. The findings indicated that (58%) of respondents did not prefer to use reusable sanitary towels; this was attributed to the high hygiene standards associated with the product. The findings equally indicated that (38%) of the respondents still viewecl menstruation as a taboo and were reluctant to participate in the study. The findings further indicated that (45%) of respondents felt that the level of poverty was very high. The study conelu led that, reusable sanitary towels though a noble idea there was need to improve on the product capabilities. It was further concluded that there was need to create much awareness and education to the community with regard to attitudes change on menstruation. The study recommended the need for adequacy of water for washing the reusable sanitary towels and bathing. availability of hygienic materials and solid waste management 0;.' the towels. There was also the need for policy formulation on menstrual management and sensitization to the rural and urban folk both male and female on menstruation issues.