1.1 Introduction
Menstruation is a discharging of blood, secretions, and tissue debris from the uterus that recurs in non-pregnant breeding-age primate females at approximately monthly intervals and that is considered to represent a readjustment of the uterus to the non-pregnant state following proliferative changes accompanying the preceding ovulation. As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Menstruation is a normal process of the body and if proper knowledge is given regarding its onset, management and problems associated with it; then it can be handled like all other body functions. However, many girls in developing countries lack appropriate knowledge and sufficient information regarding menstruation and its management (Olayinka 2004). While some information might be available from school and friends, parents should address the practical concerns that puberty brings, for instance, new hygiene needs(e.g., menstrual periods, body odors), clothing and product needs (e.g., cloth vs. napkin brands). In order for girls to live healthy reproductive and dignified life, it is essential that they are able to manage menstrual bleeding effectively (Ahmed & Yesmin 2008). Management of menstruation deals with the special health care needs and requirements like choice of absorbent used, how often and when to change the absorbent used, washing of hands and undergarments, bathing, care of vulva and proper disposal of menstrual wastes. Therefore, menstruation as a regular process needs hygienic management. If poorly managed, menstrual period may be accompanied with discomfort, reproductive tract infections, foul odour and embarrassment among others (Dasgupta & Sarkar (2008).
Menstruation wastes are the wastes that are generated by a female in her reproductive years. These wastes are produced during menstruation commonly known as menses, periods, or monthly bleeding cycle (Campbell 2007). The menstrual cycle has three phases, that is, follicular phase (proliferative), ovulation phase, and luteal phase (secretory). Menstruation is regulated by hormones; in this process, endometrium, lining of uterus, gradually thickens and sheds off and causes bleeding that normally last for 3–5 days and occasionally up to 7 days. Menstruation sheds two-thirds of the endometrial lining. In addition to blood, menstrual fluid contains mucus and vaginal secretions (Nwankwo, 2009). The menstrual flow varies from female to female and may be more or less at the beginning of menses or may change throughout the cycle. The color of the menstrual fluid varies between red, bright red, and dark brown to black. Menstrual fluid may or may not have unpleasant odour especially when it comes in contact with air. Menstrual flow or duration also changes before menopause or during gynaecological cancers. Under conditions of hormonal imbalance, fibroids, polyps, and endometriosis menstrual flow increase and excessive loss of blood through menstruation can lead to anaemia.
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Menstrual Waste Management Practice among Female Undergraduate Students.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Menstrual flow is a natural occurrence in the female body. However the management of the menstrual waste is has become a major problem among female undergraduate students in University of Nigeria. Most of the female students do not know how to effectively dispose the materials used during menstruation; some do not know the hygiene management procedure to adopt during menstruation. It is to this regard that the study desire to examine menstrual waste management practice among female undergraduate students in University of Nigeria.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to scrutinize the Menstrual Waste Management Practice among Female Undergraduate Students in University of Nigeria. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To determine the method used in menstrual waste disposal among undergraduate female students in University of Nigeria
- To identify the problems associated with the handling of menstrual wastes in the boarding schools
- To determine the relationship between menstrual waste management and the wellbeing of undergraduate female students in University of Nigeria
- To proffer solution to the above stated problems
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- Does the government encourage positive attitude towards menstrual waste disposal?
- Does menstrual waste disposal influence environmental sustainability?
- What are the attitudes of females towards menstrual waste disposal strategies?
- What can be done to achieve better menstrual waste disposal attitude?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
Hypothesis One
- H0: Age has no significant influence on attitude towards menstrual waste disposal.
- H1: Age has a significant influence on attitude towards menstrual waste disposal.
Hypothesis Two
- H0: Educational level has no significant influence on attitude towards menstrual waste disposal.
- H1: Educational level has a significant influence on attitude towards menstrual waste disposal.
1.7 Significance of Study
The study on menstrual waste management practice will be of immense benefit to the female undergraduate female students In University of Nigeria by educating the students on the menstrual waste management and the various methods used in menstrual waste management. The study will serve as a repository of information to other researchers that desire to carry out research on the above topic. Finally the study will contribute to the body of existing literature and knowledge in this field of study and provide a basis for further research.
1.8 Scope of Study
The study focuses on the Menstrual Waste Management Practice among Female Undergraduate Students in University of Nigeria. The research will focus on the final 100 level to 400 level students of University of Nigeria. The study will cover on menstrual waste management practice will be of immense benefit to the female undergraduate female students In University of Nigeria by educating the students on the menstrual waste management and the various methods used in menstrual waste management.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
1.10 Definition of Terms
Menses: blood and other matter discharged from the uterus at menstruation.
Menstrual cycle: The menstrual cycle is the regular natural change that occurs in the female reproductive system that makes pregnancy possible.
Hygiene: conditions or practices conducive to maintaining health and preventing disease, especially through cleanliness.
Hazardous Wastes: These are wastes that poses substantial or potential threats to public health or environments
Aquifers: These are underground layers of porous rocks or sand that allows the movement of water between layers of non-porous rocks (sand stone, gravel or fractured lime stone or granite).
