Abstract

Menstrual hygiene and waste disposal is a critical issue currently all over the world.  In Nigeria, the management of sanitary waste disposal remains a non-issue. This paper examines menstrual hygiene and waste disposal among women in two residential neighborhoods in Gwagwalada, Federal Capital City Abuja.  Two wards were selected for the study including – The central ward and Kutunku wards. A sample population of 368 households units was used for the study. In each household, women above 15 years were sampled and served with a questionnaire.  Results showed that the most frequently used type of absorbents is the disposable pads, this accounts for over 54% in the two wards. The reproductive tract infections associated with menstrual hygiene reported in the two wards are abnormal vagina discharge (41%), burning or itching of genitalia (36%) and foul smell from the genital area (31%).  The commonest disposal method of absorbents in the two wards is throwing with general waste bin, where 60% was in the Central ward and 45% in the Kutunku ward. There is a significant difference in the method of menstrual waste disposal practice in the two residential neighbourhoods. The study recommended that eco-friendly options of absorbents such as menstrual cups, biodegradable pads and reusable cloth pads should be encouraged for use among women.

Key Words: Disposable sanitary pads, Eco-friendly absorbents, Environmental pollution, Plastic and Reproductive tract infections