Sexual Risk Behaviors and Menstrual and Intravaginal Practices Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Tanzania: A Cross-Sectional, School-Based Study

Objectives: Objectives were to describe menstrual and intravaginal practices and sexual risk behaviors among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in Tanzania. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in secondary schools in Tanzania. Data on menstrual practices (e.g., product use), intravaginal practices (e.g., douching), and sexual risk were analyzed using chi-square and loglinear analyses. Results: Menstrual risk practices were common. Sexual risk behaviors and intravaginal practices were high among AGYW reporting sexual debut. Conclusions: High levels of menstrual, intravaginal, and sexual risk practices highlight the need to improve menstrual, sexual, and intravaginal practices, particularly among sexually active AGYW.

Duke Scholars

Author Dorothy Elizabeth Dow Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases