Education and Counseling Programs

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 68 views

Introduction

Menstrual health management is a crucial aspect of hygiene and health for women, particularly during menstruation. It plays a vital role in building the quality of human resources, especially in relation to reproductive health. This study focuses on street children living in the Kopa Singgah House in Medan Maimun District, with the primary objective of identifying the behavior of menstrual health management among these children.

Methodology

This study employed a quantitative design with a descriptive approach. A total sampling technique was used, with 41 respondents. Data collection was conducted between June 20, 2020, and July 15, 2020, using a questionnaire that measured demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and actions related to menstrual health management.

Demographic Analysis

The results of the study revealed that the majority of respondents were aged between 13 to 15 years (63.4%) and experienced menarche at the same age (65.9%). The primary source of information regarding menstruation was obtained from parents (92.7%). In terms of cleanliness, the type of pads used by street children was a disposable pad (61%), with an average menstrual duration lasting between 4 to 6 days (51.2%). All respondents reported having access to water and clean toilet facilities (100%).

Demographic analysis further revealed that most of the respondents came from the Minang tribe (48.8%), with a junior high school educational background (65.9%). Most respondents lived with parents (78%), who also had a junior high school education level (65.9%). The majority of parents worked as laborers (68.3%) with an income below the Regional Minimum Wage (UMR) (65.9%). All respondents were Muslim (100%).

Knowledge and Attitudes

The results of the study showed that street children had sufficient levels of knowledge about menstrual health management (61%). In addition, their attitudes towards menstruation were very positive (100%), and 80.5% of them reported taking appropriate actions in menstrual health management.

Conclusion

Although street children at the Kopa Singgah house have sufficient knowledge, there is an urgent need to make further improvements and debriefing related to menstrual health. With the existence of appropriate education and counseling programs, it is hoped that these children can implement the action of correct and effective menstrual health management in the future. This study emphasizes the importance of adequate education and facilities to improve the quality of reproductive health among street children.

Recommendations

Menstrual health management is not only about physical hygiene but also about increasing awareness and knowledge so that they can manage their health well. This is an important step in supporting the health of women and children, which is an integral part of better human resource development. Therefore, it is recommended that:

Education and Counseling Programs: Implement education and counseling programs that focus on menstrual health management, particularly for street children.
Access to Facilities: Ensure that street children have access to clean water, toilet facilities, and proper waste management.
Awareness and Knowledge: Increase awareness and knowledge about menstrual health management among street children, parents, and caregivers.
Support and Resources: Provide support and resources to street children and their families to improve their reproductive health and well-being.

By implementing these recommendations, it is hoped that street children at the Kopa Singgah house can manage their menstrual health effectively and improve their overall well-being.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

Sample Size: The sample size was relatively small, with only 41 respondents.
Sampling Technique: The total sampling technique used may not be representative of the entire population of street children in the Kopa Singgah house.
Data Collection: Data collection was conducted using a questionnaire, which may not capture the full range of experiences and perspectives of street children.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to:

Increase Sample Size: Increase the sample size to ensure that the results are more representative of the population.
Use More Robust Sampling Technique: Use a more robust sampling technique, such as stratified sampling, to ensure that the sample is representative of the population.
Use Multiple Data Collection Methods: Use multiple data collection methods, such as interviews and focus groups, to capture a more comprehensive range of experiences and perspectives.

By addressing these limitations and future research directions, it is hoped that future studies can provide more comprehensive and accurate information about menstrual health management among street children.

Q: What is menstrual health management?

A: Menstrual health management is a crucial aspect of hygiene and health for women, particularly during menstruation. It involves managing menstrual bleeding, maintaining personal hygiene, and preventing infections.

Q: Why is menstrual health management important for street children?

A: Menstrual health management is particularly important for street children as they may not have access to proper facilities, education, and resources to manage their menstrual health effectively. This can lead to health problems, social stigma, and decreased quality of life.

Q: What are the common challenges faced by street children in managing their menstrual health?

A: Street children may face several challenges in managing their menstrual health, including:

Lack of access to clean water and toilet facilities
Insufficient knowledge and education about menstrual health
Limited access to sanitary products and hygiene facilities
Social stigma and discrimination

Q: What are the benefits of proper menstrual health management for street children?

A: Proper menstrual health management can bring several benefits to street children, including:

Improved physical and mental health
Increased confidence and self-esteem
Better academic and social performance
Reduced risk of health problems and infections

Q: How can we support street children in managing their menstrual health?

A: We can support street children in managing their menstrual health by:

Providing access to clean water and toilet facilities
Offering education and counseling programs on menstrual health
Distributing sanitary products and hygiene facilities
Promoting awareness and reducing social stigma

Q: What are the long-term consequences of poor menstrual health management for street children?

A: Poor menstrual health management can have long-term consequences for street children, including:

Reproductive health problems
Increased risk of infections and diseases
Social and economic marginalization
Decreased quality of life

Q: How can we address the menstrual health needs of street children in the long term?

A: To address the menstrual health needs of street children in the long term, we can:

Implement sustainable education and counseling programs
Provide access to affordable and quality sanitary products
Promote awareness and reduce social stigma
Support policy and legislative changes to protect the rights of street children

By addressing these questions and concerns, we can work towards creating a more supportive and inclusive environment for street children to manage their menstrual health effectively.