Table 2 Knowledge and practices towards menstruation and hygiene among visually impaired young girls in Rwanda

Knowledge statements

Knowing the cause of menstruation (Correct response: Physiological)

50(53.8)

91(97.85)

< 0.001

From which organ does menstrual blood come (Correct response: Uterus)

21(22.6)

83(89.2)

< 0.001

The age that most girls usually get their first period (Correct response: 12 years)

36(38.7)

86(92.5)

< 0.001

The average duration of normal menstruation, in a normal person (Correct response: 2 to 7 days)

6(6.5)

40(43.0)

< 0.001

What is the interval between two menstrual cycles (Correct response: 23 to 35 or 28 days)

37(39.8)

83(89.2)

< 0.001

Knowing the menses odor (correct response: no smell or blood smell like other body blood)

20(21.5)

78(83.9)

< 0.001

Menses are unhygienic (correct response: No)

34(36.6)

82(88.2)

< 0.001

Whether menses are lifelong (correct response: No)

71(76.3)

90(96.8)

< 0.001

Age range at which the natural menopause occurs (Correct response: between 45 and 55 years)

62(66.7)

69(74.2)

0.360

Practice statements

Using absorbent materials during menstruation

93(100.0)

93(100.0)

Using commercially made sanitary pads during menstruation

91(97.8)

92(98.9)

1.000

Change pads or cloths more than three times a day during menstruation

11(11.8)

19(20.4)

0.169

Disposes the pads by wrapping with paper

64(68.8)

93(100.0)

Cleaning of external genitalia with water only during menstruation

91(97.8)

90(96.8)

1.000

Wash hands before changing pads during menstruation

41(44.1)

88(94.6)

< 0.001

Wash hands after changing pads during menstruation

83(89.2)

93(100.0)

Change underwear at least 2 times a day during menstruation

53(57.0)

90(96.8)

< 0.001

Washing underwear with soap and water

91(97.8)

93(100.0)

Dry underwear in sunlight

61(65.6)

89(95.7)

< 0.001

^φMcNemar Bowker test was used