Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p> <bold>Introduction</bold> Adolescent girls, particularly in developing countries, practice Menstrual Hygiene poorly. Studies are limited despite multiple factors resulting in poor hygienic practices and related health and non-health sequelae. This study aimed to assess Menstrual Hygiene awareness and practice and explore barriers among high school students in Northwest Ethiopia. <bold>METHOD</bold> An institution-based explanatory sequential mixed study was conducted from April to May 2023 in Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaire (was reliable and had Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.871); entered into Epi-data; and exported to SPSS V-25 for analysis. Multivariable logistic regression was computed and the significance level was declared at a 95% confidence interval and p-value < 0.05. A phenomenological study design was used to explore experiences. The collected data recorded; translated into English and later imported into Atlas. Ti. Software. Finally, the thematic analysis method was used to classify, organize, interpret, and triangulate the data. <bold>Result</bold> A total of 227 participants were enrolled in the study. About 52.9% had Good Menstrual Hygiene Practice and students living in urban [AOR = 2.71 (95% CI: 1.37, 5.37)]; aware about Menstrual Hygiene [AOR = 5.85 (95% CI: 2.15, 15.93)]; have access to latrines in school [AOR = 10 (95%% CI: 4.22, 23.88)]; and use an absorbent pad [AOR = 3.21 [(95% CI: 1.62, 6.38)] had significant associations. Sociocultural myths and misconceptions; financial and menstrual pad related factors were explored. <bold>Conclusion and Recommendation:</bold> A significant proportion of students had poor Menstrual Hygiene Practice. Adolescent girls should receive education related to sexuality that mainly incorporates menstrual health at schools. Creating standardized water and sanitation facilities and providing access to products at schools are also required, particularly for rural dwellers. Moreover, the misconception explored cannot be ignored and needs immediate intervention. </p>