Abstract
THE ONSET of menarche and subsequent menstruation problems in 420 secondary school girls in the Rivers State, Nigeria, selected on urban/rural equal representation criterion were studied. Results show that the age at which menarche occurs among the girls cluster at the range of 11 to 14 years. Girls in the urban schools attain menarche earlier than those in the rural areas. The emotional and mental preparation of the girls both in the home and school were found to be very inadequate.
Six major menstrual disorders; premenstrual syndrome, prolonged flow, painful menstruation, scanty flow, ir regular cycle and vaginal itching were encountered. Personal hygiene including choice of sanitary materials for care of menstruation was equally poor. It is concluded that sex education of the girls on the growth and developmental changes about to take place in their own bodies at puberty and adolescence should be an integral aspect of school curricula, at all levels of the educational system. It is also suggested that the media - radio, television and the press should be mobilised for mass enlightenment on the management of menstruation.
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