Year: 2026 | Month: July-September | Volume: 10 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 57-65
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/gijash.20260308
Cultural and Environmental Determinants of Menstrual Hygiene Management in Rural Schools of Chongwe District, Zambia: A Qualitative Study
Racheal Michelo1, Melvin Mwansa2, Judah Namakobo Chilema3, Kangwa Mulenga Grivin4
1School of Postgraduate Studies, University of Lusaka, Lusaka, Zambia
2School of Postgraduate Studies, University of Lusaka, Lusaka, Zambia
3Mchini Health Post, Department of Public Health Services, Chipata, Zambia
4The University Teaching Hospital, Department of Surgery, Lusaka, Zambia
Corresponding Author: Racheal Michelo
ABSTRACT
Background: Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) remains a significant public health, education, and dignity issue for adolescent girls in rural schools. Inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure, persistent cultural restrictions, limited access to menstrual materials, and stigma can undermine girls’ comfort, attendance, and participation in school. This study explored cultural and environmental factors influencing MHM practices in rural schools in the Chongwe District, Zambia, with a focus on Kampekete and Chilyabale.
Methods: A qualitative exploratory case-study design was used. Data were collected through focus group discussions with schoolgirls and boys, in-depth interviews with school-based stakeholders, key informant interviews, and observation of school facilities. Participants were selected purposively because of their direct experience with school-based menstrual hygiene issues. Data were analyzed thematically by identifying recurrent patterns related to cultural beliefs, school infrastructure, environmental conditions, support systems, and community attitudes.
Results: The study found that girls’ menstrual experiences were shaped by four interrelated themes: cultural beliefs and restrictions, inadequate infrastructure, environmental constraints, and mixed community perceptions. Girls reported restrictions related to food preparation, salt, church attendance, contact with others, and interactions with boys. School toilets were commonly described as dirty, insufficiently private, poorly labeled, and lacking reliable water, soap, bathrooms, and disposal systems. An unreliable water supply and the absence of incinerators or safe disposal options forced girls to improvise. Female relatives and female teachers were the main sources of information and support, while male involvement remained limited. Boys’ knowledge was variable, and teasing by male students contributed to stigma.
Conclusion: MHM in rural schools of Chongwe District is constrained by the combined effects of cultural taboos, insufficient WASH infrastructure, unreliable water supply, limited menstrual materials, and weak community-level support. Effective interventions should integrate school WASH improvements, sustained supply of menstrual materials, age-appropriate menstrual health education for girls and boys, teacher mentorship, parental engagement, and community dialogue to reduce stigma and support girls’ dignity and participation in education.
Keywords: Menstrual hygiene management; adolescent girls; rural schools; WASH; cultural beliefs; Chongwe District; Zambia
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