Assessing the knowledge and attitude of menstrual hygiene among high school students, and menstrual practices among high school girls in rural Rwanda

Background: This study sought to assess the knowledge, attitude about menstruation among high school teachers, boys and girls in Butaro, a rural area northern Rwanda. In addition, menstrual hygiene practices of were also assessed; inform design intervention.Methods: A school-based cross-sectional questionnaire was administered 339 people three schools region Rwanda.Results: Thirty-two teachers 307 secondary surveyed. Only 9.8% students had good knowledge related health, with slightly more schoolgirls (13.9%) than schoolboys (5%). Feeling insecure, scared, worried that others could smell them, common menstrual-related concerns cited by girls. About 20% used cloth manage their flow 22.3% reported absenteeism; lack sanitary protection products fear being teased most prominent reasons.Conclusions: Providing accessible facilities for change, pain medication, sufficient pads are necessary. Reusable cups be cheaper sustainable alternatives commercial products. Cultivating psychologically safe environment is