Assessment of School Infrastructure, Girls’ Menstrual Management and School Attendance. A Case Study of Ashongman Cluster of Schools in the Ga East Municipality of Ghana

Abstract

There are factors responsible for the basic educational progress of the girl-child. These factors can have direct or indirect effect on the quality of education of adolescent girls in school. Among these factors are access to girls’ appropriate school toilets, dust bins, clean water, and soap, which are essential for girls to comfortably change, dispose of used menstrual absorbent materials, and wash themselves in privacy. This study aimed to examine the availability and adequacy of school facilities and resources for girls to manage their menstruation.  The study was conducted in Ashongman in the Ga East Municipality using 2 Public and 2 Private Schools. The researcher assessed infrastructural support, which included a girls’ separate toilet facility, urinal, dust bin, school-provided water and soap for menstrual management. The study adopted sampling techniques such as purposive, systematic, and stratified in selecting a sample size of 131girls from J.H.S 1, 2, and 3. Data was collected through questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and observation. A total of 131 girls, 10 female teachers, and heads participated in the in-depth interview and study. Information sought included the availability and suitability of menstrual management facilities, challenges, and coping mechanisms adopted in both Public and Private Schools with respect to menstruation. The questionnaires were coded using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Excel software, and the results obtained were presented as tables, cross-tabulations, graphs, percentages, and means. Images and photos of the objects and facilities were presented as factual evidence. The study found that there were significant differences between the infrastructure available in Public and Private Schools, which affected the challenges girls in these schools experienced during menstruation. The lack of necessary infrastructure, in addition to menstrual pains, were the major cause of absenteeism during menstrual periods. The study recommends institutional support from the District Education Directorate, the Municipal Assembly, Non-Governmental Organizations, and the Government of Ghana in providing toilets and urinal facilities that ensure safe, private spaces to girls for their hygienic needs during menstrual periods. Moreover, girls should be educated and guided by professionals in taking painkillers properly at school to avoid further complications. Schools should make menstrual absorbent material available in the first aid box to support girls who come to school and need it.