Menstrual waste management practices among female students in Niger delta development commission hostels in educational institutions in Niger delta, Nigeria.

Abstract

Background of the study: Menstrual waste management encompasses the practices involved in handling menstrual hygiene products from the onset to the conclusion of menstruation. Despite being a crucial public health issue, menstrual waste management remains under-researched, particularly in educational institutions in Nigeria. This study investigates menstrual waste management practices among female students residing in hostels constructed by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in the Niger Delta region, focusing on their methods of disposal, associated challenges, and compliance with global standards.

Methods: The study targeted first-year undergraduate female students from three tertiary institutions, with a total population of 825. A systematic sampling technique was used to select a sample of 413 respondents. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from the World Bank's Menstrual Health and Hygiene Resource Package (2021) and validated instruments by Adekunle and Ajayi (Am Int J Social Sci Res 4(2):78--87, 2019), with a reliability coefficient of 0.8. Ethical clearance was obtained from Delta State University.

Result: Findings revealed that common menstrual waste materials included cotton wool, pads, and napkins, with many students facing challenges related to affordability and availability of preferred products. Improper disposal practices, such as discarding without wrapping and burying in pits or burning, were prevalent, posing significant health and environmental risks. These unsound practices were exacerbated by the lack of adequate disposal facilities in hostels, limited awareness of proper disposal methods, and non-compliance with global guidelines. Health consequences included an increased risk of infections, while environmental impacts ranged from contamination to prolonged degradation of non-biodegradable materials.

Conclusion: The study highlights the urgent need for infrastructural improvements, targeted education on sustainable menstrual hygiene practices, and stricter adherence to global standards. Recommendations include: University management should jointly implement stringent policies to eliminate unsustainable disposal methods, providing affordable and eco-friendly menstrual products, such as reusable pads, integrating menstrual health education into institutional policies, and enhancing waste management systems. These measures are vital for promoting sustainable menstrual hygiene and aligning with global health and environmental goals.