Publications by authors named "Connie Alezuyo"
Background: Menstrual health is an increasingly recognised public health issue, defined as complete physical, mental, and social well-being in relation to the menstrual cycle. The MENISCUS trial aims to assess whether a multi-component intervention addressing physical and emotional aspects of menstrual health improves educational attainment, mental health problems, menstrual management, self-efficacy, and quality of life among girls in secondary school in Uganda.
Methods: The study is a parallel-arm cluster-randomised controlled trial with 60 schools (clusters) in Wakiso and Kalungu districts, with a mixed-methods process evaluation to assess intervention fidelity and acceptability and economic and policy analyses.
Article Synopsis
- - The pilot study aimed to address poor menstrual health and hygiene in secondary schools in Entebbe, Uganda, through a multifaceted intervention that included teacher training, a drama skit, training on menstrual kits, pain relief guidance, and improvements to school WASH facilities.
- - Data collection methods included quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to evaluate various aspects of the intervention's implementation, such as fidelity, reach, and acceptability, focusing on students aged 13-21.
- - While most intervention components were implemented effectively—like the drama skit and menstrual kit training—challenges arose with the school-owned components, such as the puberty education training and WASH improvements, though overall, participants found the intervention acceptable.
Objectives: Achieving good menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) is a public health challenge and there is little evidence to inform interventions. The aim of this study was to pilot test an intervention to improve MHH and school attendance in Uganda, in preparation for a future cluster-randomised trial.
Design: Longitudinal study with pre-post evaluation of a pilot intervention.