The Socio-Cultural Construction of Menstruation in the Ghanaian Context: A Qualitative Study of the Perspectives of Parents, Teachers, and Adolescent Girls

Abstract

(1) Background: Menstruation, experienced by 1.8 billion girls and women globally, is often misunderstood and surrounded by taboos and misconceptions, particularly in low-income countries like Ghana. This study explores the Ghanaian socio-cultural representation of menstruation and the cultural experiences of young girls during menarche. (2) Methods: This qualitative exploratory study was conducted in five Senior High Schools in Ghana's Volta Region, using purposive and convenience sampling. Fifteen Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted, including five FGDs each for female students, teachers, and parents, with 10-12 participants per group. All FGDs were audio-recorded, transcribed, translated, and imported into MAXQDA 2022 for thematic analysis. (3) Results: This study identified various socio-cultural beliefs and practices surrounding menstruation in Ghana, including the celebration of menarche, viewing menstrual blood as unclean, and cultural taboos like household, religious, and social restrictions. (4) Conclusion: Despite shifting beliefs and practices, cultural and social practices/restrictions regarding menstruation are persistent in the Volta Region of Ghana, and these practices often determine how society interacts with menstruating women. These practices often determine how society interacts with menstruating girls and women and hinder optimal menstrual health and hygiene.

Keywords: Ghana; belief; menarche; menstruation; socio-cultural; taboo.

Figure 1

Social constructionist framework on menstruation in Ghana.