KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF MENSTRUAL WASTE MANAGEMENT AND MENSTRUAL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT AMONG FEMALE UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS OF SA’ADU ZUNGUR UNIVERSITY

ABSRACT Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) and menstrual waste management (MWM) are essential components of women’s health, dignity, and environmental sustainability. Despite this, inadequate knowledge, stigma, poor disposal practices, and limited facilities remain major challenges, particularly in Nigerian universities. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of menstrual hygiene and waste management among female undergraduate students of Sa’adu Zungur University, Bauchi State. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, and data were collected from 384 female undergraduates through a semi structured, pre-tested questionnaire distributed via online platforms. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented in tables and charts. Findings revealed that although most respondents had awareness of menstruation and menstrual hygiene, significant gaps remained in their knowledge of proper disposal methods. Attitudes toward menstruation were mixed, with some positive perceptions but also persistent stigma and misconceptions. Practices were generally poor, with unsafe disposal methods such as flushing pads in toilets, open dumping, or discarding without proper wrapping being common. These findings align with previous research in low- and middle-income countries, underscoring inadequate facilities, cultural taboos, and poor sensitization as major barriers to effective MHM and MWM. The study concludes that female undergraduates at Sa’adu Zungur University face significant challenges in menstrual hygiene and waste management. It recommends increased awareness and education programs, provision of affordable sanitary products, installation of disposal facilities such as bins and incinerators, and the integration of menstrual health into university and public health policies. Addressing these issues will improve students’ health, academic performance, and environmental conditions while contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 4, 5, and 6. Keywords: Menstrual Hygiene Management, Menstrual Waste Management, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Female Undergraduates, Public Health