Menstrual  Hygiene Management among Refugee Women at Kabazana Reception Centre, Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Isingiro District, Uganda.

MBAMBU GORRET; OTWINE ANNE TWEHEYO; KYOBUTUNGI ALICE JOSSY

Menstrual Hygiene Management among Refugee Women at Kabazana Reception Centre, Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Isingiro District, Uganda.

Author(s)	Ms. MBAMBU GORRET, Prof. Dr. OTWINE ANNE TWEHEYO, Prof. Dr. KYOBUTUNGI ALICE JOSSY
Country	Uganda
Abstract	Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) remains a challenge for approximately 500 million women and girls globally by inadequate water sanitation and hygiene infrastructure particularly in public spaces like refugee settlements. Uganda is the largest refugee-hosting country with Nakivale Refugee Settlement sheltering 145,689 refugees, 52% of whom are women. New arrivals face heightened MHM challenges due to limited access to sanitary products, facilities, and proper disposal methods. Poor MHM impacts education, health, and dignity, with crisis settings further worsening disparities. This study aimed to assess MHM among refugee women at Kabazana Reception Centre, Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Isingiro District, Uganda.This was a cross-sectional mixed-methods design incorporating both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data collection instruments such as questionnaires and interview guides (Key Informant Interview Guide and the In-depth Interview Guide) were employed. Data was analyzed using Stata Version 16/MP software. The qualitative data analysis encompassed a comprehensive approach, utilizing thematic analysis. Only 32.4% of respondents had adequate materials, and many relied on improvised items like used clothes and tissue paper. There was widespread embarrassment, isolation due to menstrual leaks, and privacy concerns were prevalent. Humanitarian workers were found to provide minimal support. Factors associated with better access to MHM products included being younger (ages 18-25), divorced or single, and spending more than a year at the reception Centre. Receiving regular MHM products from NGOs, access to designated latrines, and proximity to clean water were also positively associated with sufficient MHM products. The findings underscore the critical need for improved MHM at Kabazana Reception Centre, highlighting insufficient access to menstrual products, limited support from humanitarian workers, and inadequate facilities. To address these issues, it is essential to establish a dedicated MHM team to provide consistent and reliable supplies, along with educational programs for both women and men to reduce stigma and promote awareness.
Keywords	Menstrual hygiene management, Hygiene facilities, Menstrual hygiene materials, Access, Knowledge, Support Programs, Privacy Concerns, Waste Management.
Field	Physical Science
Published In	Volume 7, Issue 2, March-April 2026
Published On	2026-03-21

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Menstrual Hygiene Management among Refugee Women at Kabazana Reception Centre, Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Isingiro District, Uganda.

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