Process Evaluation of School Menstrual Hygiene Management Program at Governmental Primary School in Libo-Kemkem District, South Gondar Zone, North West Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) is now recognized as a definitive public health and development issue, with a substantial increase in financial and human capital committed toward this topic. The package of interventions includes social support, knowledge and skills development, services provision, and distribution of menstrual materials and supplies to schoolgirls. The Evaluative assessment result shows there is interest in evaluating the program implementer, stakeholders, and beneficiaries. Finally, the aim of this evaluation show relevant information, conclusions, recommendations, and program implementation status at the government primary schools.

Objective: To evaluate the school menstrual hygiene management intervention program in the government primary schools in Libo-kemkem district, South Gondar zone, Northwest Ethiopia by 2023.

Method: A single case study evaluation design using the qualitative and quantitative data was collected concurrently, analyzed separately, and integrated during interpretation. A total of 626 school girls were interviewed to measure acceptability, and 7 KII interviews were conducted. The quantitative data was entered in Epi-data version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 27 for binary logistic regression analysis. The qualitative data was collected using a tape recorder, transcribed into Amharic, and then translated into the English language. The translated data was coded and analyzed thematically. The final evaluation of school MHM program affordability, availability, and acceptability was judged as poor (<60%), fair (60–80%), and good (≥8 0%).

Results: The performance of MHM facility and resource availability among primary schools was judged as good (96.5%), and the performance of its affordability was judged as fair 66.81 %. The performance of MHM program acceptability was also judged as fair 73.57%. However, the overall MHM program implementation status was judged as fair 78.96%. Having fathers who had a primary level of education [AOR, 95% CI: 2.09 (1.18, 3.70)], having mothers who had secondary education [AOR, 95% CI: 2.25 (1.31, 4.03)], having mothers who had college and above educational level [AOR, 95% CI: 3.00(1.50, 5.88)], having mothers who are merchants [AOR, 95% CI: 2.14(1.37, 3.41)], having family members who buy sanitary pads for school girls [AOR, 95% CI: 2.35(1.42, 3.88)] was identified as significant predictors of MHM program acceptability among school girls the district.

Conclusion: The overall school MHM program implementation status was judged fair. The performance of MHM program acceptability among school girls was low compared to expected (51.6%). Therefore, health promotion activities should be the focus area of interventions, especially for mothers and fathers who have a low level of education