Menstrual Hygiene Knowledge and Its Determinants Among Adolescent Secondary Schoolgirls in Nasarawa West Senatorial Zone, Nigeria: A Cross‐Sectional Study

ABSTRACT Background and Aim Menstrual hygiene knowledge is essential for adolescent girls' health, dignity, and school participation. Despite increasing research in Nigeria, evidence from North‐Central states is limited, especially in schools with weak WASH infrastructure. This study assessed menstrual hygiene knowledge and its determinants among secondary school girls in Nasarawa West Senatorial Zone. Methods A cross‐sectional survey was conducted among 1,250 post‐menarche students selected through stratified sampling from 25 schools across three purposively selected Local Government Areas (LGAs). A validated 10‐item tool assessed menstrual physiology, hygiene, and cycle management. Data were analyzed using SPSS v27. Descriptive statistics, Chi‐square tests, and multivariable logistic regression were used, with significance set at α = 0.05. Results Overall, 59% of students demonstrated poor menstrual hygiene knowledge. Physiological understanding was weak: 62.4% recognized that bleeding is not the only phase, and 65.6% knew ovulation timing. Private school students outperformed public school peers, and rural students scored lowest. Maternal education was the strongest predictor (AOR = 1.98 for tertiary education, 95% CI: 1.41–2.77, p < 0.001). Urban (AOR = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.55–2.88) and semi‐urban residence (AOR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.22–2.33), private school attendance (AOR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.03–1.82), and living in Keffi or Nasarawa LGAs (vs Kokona) were also independent predictors. Conclusion Menstrual hygiene knowledge among adolescents in Nasarawa West is inadequate, with disparities by school type, maternal education, and residential setting. Strengthened school curricula, targeted rural outreach, and support from parents, schools, and government agencies are urgently needed to reduce inequities and improve girls' wellbeing.