Exploring the Role of Cultural and Religious Beliefs in Menstrual Hygiene Management among Adolescent Girls: Tribal Variations and Counseling Implications

Abstract

This study investigates the primary sources of menstrual hygiene information and the impact of cultural beliefs on menstrual hygiene management among adolescent girls in Ghana, focusing on variations across tribal groups to foster positive attitudes and behaviors. A descriptive survey methodology was employed, utilising questionnaires and semi-structured interviews to collect comprehensive data from college students. The study sample consists of 384 female adolescents from three selected schools within the Tamale Metropolis of Ghana. Respondents were acquired by stratified, purposive, and random sampling methods. We used the SPSS 20.0 software to assess the hypotheses with a chi-square test since it evaluates relationships between categorical variables while accounting for the distribution of frequencies. The findings indicated statistically significant variations in the sources of information on menstrual hygiene across the different tribes. Therefore, we rejected the null hypothesis 1. The finding for hypothesis 2 reveals that there is no statistically significant variation in the cultural and religious beliefs about menstruation across the different tribes. Therefore, we accepted the null hypothesis. The study highlights menstrual hygiene as a sociocultural and educational issue, necessitating a comprehensive approach involving education, cultural sensitivity, and stakeholder involvement from parents, schools, healthcare providers, and religious leaders. The Ghana Education Service should incorporate menstrual hygiene education into the national curriculum, ensuring all students receive accurate and consistent information. Similarly, NGOs should foster effective collaboration between traditional and religious leaders to challenge harmful cultural practices and promote supportive environments for menstrual health.