WASH infrastructure and menstrual hygiene management in basic schools: a study in Kumasi, Ghana

Understanding the role of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services on menstrual hygiene behaviors and practices and ultimately on school absenteeism is important to inform policy and practice. This study focused on how the schools’ WASH infrastructure affects Menstrual Hygiene Management. The study was based on data from seven schools in the Weweso circuit, Kumasi-Ghana collected through Focus Group Discussions, key informant interviews and observation of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities in the selected schools. Public schools (government managed) did not have adequate provision for menstrual hygiene management and the private schools (individually owned) had better WASH infrastructure/services that provide a better environment for menstrual hygiene management compared to the public schools. The poor WASH infrastructure in basic schools constrain school girls from maintaining good menstrual hygiene practices. The study recommends education on menstrual hygiene management and the incorporation of adequate consideration for menstrual hygiene management infrastructure in basic schools (primary school).