Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Menstrual Hygiene Among Female Health Students in Kano State, Nigeria

Abstract Background Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is essential to women’s health, education, and well-being, yet stigma, misinformation, and infrastructural constraints continue to affect menstrual experiences in low- and middle-income countries. Evidence from Northern Nigeria remains limited, particularly among health sciences students who will eventually serve as health educators. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 267 female students at a health sciences institution in Kano State. Stratified random sampling ensured departmental representation. Data were collected using a structured electronic questionnaire assessing menstrual knowledge, attitudes, and socio-demographic factors. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression were used to identify determinants of good knowledge and positive attitudes. Results Awareness of menstrual hygiene was high (91.4%), yet only 45.7% demonstrated good knowledge and 17.6% exhibited poor knowledge. Mothers were the predominant information source (79.8%). Attitudes were overwhelmingly positive (95.5%), although stigma persisted: 49.1% viewed public discussion as shameful and 35.2% perceived menstruation as culturally taboo. Maternal tertiary education independently predicted both good knowledge (AOR = 2.45; p = 0.004) and positive attitudes (AOR = 2.50; p = 0.020). Prior menstrual education predicted positive attitudes (AOR = 3.12; p = 0.048). Conclusion Menstrual literacy among female health students is promising but uneven, shaped largely by household educational exposure and early-life instruction. Interventions should integrate structured menstrual health education into curricula, strengthen community sensitization, and promote equitable access to menstrual products. These strategies can improve menstrual dignity and support gender-responsive educational environments in Northern Nigeria.