Behaviors and practices of incarcerated women towards menstrual hygiene in a large urban prison in Uganda: a phenomenological qualitative study

Abstract Background Deplorable and unconducive conditions in prisons present serious challenges to menstrual hygiene management. However, little is known about menstrual hygiene among incarcerated women in Uganda. Our study explored the behaviors and practices of incarcerated women regarding menstrual hygiene management in a large government prison in Uganda. In addition, we explored the barriers to menstrual hygiene management in this population. Methods In this phenomenological qualitative study, we conducted in-depth interviews with incarcerated women aged 20–49 years and key informant interviews with female prison officers (wardresses) at Luzira Prison in Kampala, Uganda. The data were analyzed using content analysis and the findings were presented using themes/sub-themes along with participant quotes. Results We interviewed 15 incarcerated women aged 20–49 years (mean age, 29.5 ± 8.7 years) and five key informants aged 30–50 years (mean, 42.6 ± 4.9) about menstrual hygiene behaviors and practices, including barriers to menstrual hygiene. Five sub-themes emerged concerning behaviors and practices of menstrual hygiene among incarcerated women. Findings reveal the behaviors and practices of menstrual hygiene management were characterized by infrequent change of menstrual pads, lack of privacy during menstrual hygiene practices, use of poor-quality menstrual hygiene materials, and improper disposal of used sanitary products. However, bathing with soap and water during menstruation was frequent and non-restricted. Three sub-themes emerged as barriers to menstrual hygiene practices, largely at the institutional level, and they included unhygienic sanitary facilities, unreliable access to clean water, and insufficient sanitary products. Conclusions Behaviors and practices of incarcerated women fall short of desired standards and they face several barriers to practicing menstrual hygiene. The prison authorities should provide sufficient sanitary products like pads, and knickers including soap, construct more sanitary facilities, educate about the safe disposal of used sanitary products, and provide sufficient clean water to promote good menstrual hygiene management among incarcerated women.