International Journal of Chemical and Biochemical Sciences (ISSN 2226-9614)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
VOLUME 25(19) (2024)
Menstrual Hygiene: Barriers and Support for Adolescents with Intellectual Disability
Andi Ratu Putri Zinda1, Shanti Riskiyani2, Sudirman Nasir3
Department of Health Promotion, Faculty of Public Health, Hasanuddin University, Indonesia.
Abstract
One important element of reproductive health is a supportive community that provides key resources with the aim of empowerment and active and voluntary participation. Without these components, people with disabilities may experience barriers. The purpose of this study was to identify the barriers of family resources, teachers and health workers in supporting adolescents with disabilities in menstrual hygiene behaviour. The research method used was a qualitative case study by conducting an in-depth interview. Results for the barriers of tunagrahita: Information provided must be repeated; Accompanied when in the washroom; Not yet accepting themselves if they are already experiencing menstruation; Not attending school. Family barriers: Did not remind the menstrual schedule; Did not provide opportunities to practice; Stopped providing information. Teacher barriers: Difficult to provide information because the term is considered taboo by the family and the mentally retarded. Health worker barriers: Adjustment to programme substitution; Post COVID-19 adjustment; Limited media and interaction skills. Results obtained for organisational and community resources, namely: All families provide social support; The way families and teachers identify the schedule and gestures of children with disabilities during menstruation is through themselves because the menstrual schedule is the same or close together, and other common characteristics. Activities related to menstrual hygiene at school are still uneven; Families feel the need to be given information; Schools are willing to facilitate; Health workers feel the need to be given training on how to interact and supporting media.
Keywords: Barriers, Support, Adolescents, Tunagrahita, Menstrual Hygiene
Full length article – PDF *Corresponding Author, e-mail: zindaarp22k@student.unhas.ac.id Doi # https://doi.org/10.62877/96-IJCBS-24-25-19-96