Menstrual hygiene management in the remote rural highlands of eastern Indonesia

Abstract

Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) is essential for women’s health, but it is often regarded as a taboo topic. This study investigates the practice of MHM in rural and remote Indonesian highlands. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 492 adolescent girls and adult women in the Jayawijaya and Central Mamberamo Districts of Papua Province. Principal component analysis and multiple regression analyses were used to examine the relationships among the respondents’ knowledge, attitudes, and MHM practices. The perception that discussing MHM is taboo exists in this area, and certain cultural rituals are associated with a young girl’s first period. The respondents have moderate knowledge and attitudes regarding MHM. Furthermore, their practices after using sanitary pads are unhygienic, may increase the risk of reproductive tract infections, and may pollute the environment. Some variables are positively associated with appropriate MHM practice, namely knowledge of MHM, the perception that menstruation must be kept private, and the importance of using sanitary pads. Finally, the results show that schools do not provide a supportive environment for girls during their period. Overall, there is a need to increase MHM knowledge and foster positive attitudes to enhance healthy MHM among women in the rural and remote highlands of Indonesia.