TITLE:
Health and Hygiene: A Descriptive Study on Four Selected Secondary School in Jhalokati Sadar
AUTHORS:
Israt Parvin Meti, Syed Ashik-E-Elahi
KEYWORDS:
Menstrual Hygiene, Adolescent Girls, Secondary School, Absentee
JOURNAL NAME:
Health,
Vol.18 No.9,
September
30,
2026
ABSTRACT: This paper focused on menstrual familiarity and facilities available in school, and challenges to menstrual hygiene management in school environment among adolescent school girls. Using a quantitative approach, data were gathered from 120 adolescent girls from four schools—including both girls-only and co-educational institutions—in the Jhalakathi district, through in-person interviews following a structured survey. Systematic random sampling was employed to ensure fair representation from the selected schools. The study results show mothers play a key role in providing menstrual health information which is a reflection of the family’s importance in health education. For institutions, the results show that though a few schools have basic amenities like toilets and clean water facilities, the rest still lack adequate sanitation, menstrual product disposal systems, and privacy, which are leading to discomfort and school absenteeism among girls. Both primary and secondary data were used in this research. Primary data were collected through interviews and observation, while secondary sources included books, journal articles, and internet-based literature. The research evidence shows socioeconomic challenges such as poverty, cultural taboos, and limited awareness hindering proper hygiene practices. These issues not only affect academic performance but also impact girls’ mental and emotional well-being. The findings highlighted the urgent need for improved school infrastructure, culturally sensitive health education, and stronger community engagement. Ethical protocols, including informed consent and confidentiality, were strictly followed to protect participants’ dignity and privacy. Despite gradual progress, many schoolgirls in Jhalakathi still struggle with basic hygiene practices due to insufficient support, lack of proper infrastructure, and the ongoing negligence to menstruation hygiene practices. The lack of clear policies on menstrual hygiene in schools shows the need for stronger government support to protect girls’ health, dignity, and education.