Knowledge, Perception and Sociocultural Beliefs on Menstruation: Evidence from Adolescent High School Boys in the Volta Region, Ghana

This study assessed knowledge, perceptions and cultural beliefs surrounding menstruation among adolescent high school boys in the Volta region of Ghana. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 434 adolescent boys from five senior high schools. Logistic regression was used to test factors associated with adequate knowledge and Spearman’s correlation was used to examine the relationships between knowledge, perceptions and cultural beliefs. Most (63.4%) participants demonstrated adequate knowledge. Being in Form 2 (AOR: 2.09, 95% CI: 1.30–3.38) or Form 3 (AOR: 3.13, 95% CI: 1.08–9.04) was associated with higher odds of having adequate knowledge, while being aged 18–19 years (AOR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.01–0.96) was associated with lower odds of having adequate knowledge. While 73.5% of participants rejected menstrual discourse as taboo, 64.9% acknowledged culturally prescribed norms for menstruating women. Positive but small correlations were observed between knowledge scores and both family/cultural belief scores (ρ = 0.19, p = 0.0001) and perception scores (ρ = 0.26, p < 0.0001). The study shows the need for comprehensive menstrual health education for adolescent boys, addressing both factual knowledge and cultural misconceptions. By improving understanding and challenging negative perceptions, we can foster a more supportive environment for menstrual health and hygiene. © 2024 by the authors.