Yimenu Adane ^1* Argaw Ambelu ¹ Muluken Azage ² Yalemtsehay Mekonnen ³

• ¹ Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
• ² College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Amhara Region, Ethiopia
• ³ College of Natural Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

The study aimed to investigate barriers that schoolgirls face in managing their monthly menstruation in schools of Bahir Dar City. It involved schoolgirls and boy students aged 12 -20 and gender club leaders aged 32-56. The study employed focus group discussions and in-depth interviews, and through this, information related to the schoolgirl's experience, attitudes, and behaviors related to menstrual hygiene management was gathered. The center of the study was menstrual hygiene management, which involves understanding how schoolgirls manage their menstrual hygiene needs, including access to sanitary products, facilities, and information, as well as addressing socio-cultural norms of menstruation. The study identified barriers that hinder effective menstrual hygiene management within school communities. These barriers encompass a range of factors, such as lack of access to menstrual products, inadequate sanitation facilities, cultural taboos, socio-economic constraints, and insufficient education or awareness. The study draws lessons from its findings to inform interventions and policies aimed at improving menstrual hygiene management in school settings. This involves recommendations for school-based interventions, community outreach programs, policy changes, or infrastructure improvements to better support menstrual health and hygiene.