Sanitation challenges and menstrual hygiene management among female adolescents in an Islamic Boarding School: A qualitative case study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12928/jcp.v8i2.15693Keywords:
Female adolescent, Islamic boarding schools, Personal hygiene, Sanitation facilitiesAbstract
Poor menstrual hygiene practices can increase the risk of reproductive tract infections among female adolescents. Adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities are essential to safe menstrual hygiene management (MHM), particularly in Islamic boarding schools, where students live communally, follow structured daily routines, and share sanitation facilities. This study explored how sanitation facilities influence menstrual hygiene management practices among female adolescents living in an Islamic boarding school in Jayapura, Indonesia. A qualitative case study was conducted between October and December 2024. Participants included seven female students as key informants and one teacher as a supporting informant. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and direct observations and analyzed using thematic analysis. Although access to clean water was generally adequate, the number of toilets was insufficient for the student population, resulting in long waiting times and limited privacy. The distance between dormitories and sanitation facilities also discouraged students from changing menstrual pads as frequently as recommended, with many reporting changing pads only two to three times per day. These environmental constraints negatively influenced menstrual hygiene practices, and many increase the risk of adverse reproductive health outcomes. The findings demonstrate that inadequate sanitation infrastructure is an important barrier to effective MHM in Islamic boarding schools. Strengthening WASH facilities, particularly by improving the availability, accessibility, and privacy of sanitation facilities, should be prioritized to support healthy menstrual hygiene practices among adolescent girls.
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