The Lived Experiences of the Onset of Menarche and Menstruation amongst Adolescent Girls in Urban Townships of Gqeberha, Eastern Cape Province in South Africa

Nwabisa Mona, University of KwaZulu Natal (Howard)
Professor Anna Voce, University of KwaZulu-Natal

The purpose of this study was to explore and understand the lived experience of menarche and menstruation among adolescent girls residing in the urban townships of Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape Province, with an emphasis on experiences of menstrual stigma. Explored were preparedness for menarche, perceptions of menarche and menstruation among adolescent girls and the reactions of adolescent girls, boys and caregivers to menarche and menstruation, as these dimensions shape and contribute to the lived experience of menarche and menstruation of adolescent girls. A qualitative research methodology was adopted using Individual In-Depth Interviews and 6 Focus Group Discussions were conducted among adolescent girls and boys between the ages of 10 to 19, enrolled in a primary school and two high schools in Gqeberha. The lived experience of menarche varies across adolescents and is influenced by access to menstrual knowledge prior menarche, and resources to manage one’s menses healthily, and with dignity. Inadequate preparedness for menarche yields to anxiety, embarrassment, and shame. Menstruating adolescent girls experience menstrual stigma perpetuated by males. Menarche is associated with maturity, early sexual debut, early pregnancy and enforced contraception intake. The shared societal beliefs subject adolescent girls to behavioral regulation and restrictions upon menarche. Integration of menstrual health education in the school curriculum is crucial.

Keywords: Children, Adolescents, and Youth, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Gender Dynamics, Qualitative data/methods/approaches

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