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INFLUENCE OF HEALTH LOCUS OF CONTROL ON MENSTRUAL ATTITUDE AMONGST THREE GENERATIONS OF WOMEN IN LAGOS METROPOLIS

ABSTRACT

Menstruation is a natural part of life for women, but it can also be a source of discomfort, pain, and anxiety. Menstrual attitude and Health Locus of Control are important factors that influence women's experiences and perceptions of menstruation. The results showed that there is a significant relationship between menstrual attitude and Health Locus of Control, with women who have a more positive menstrual attitude tend to have a higher level of Health Locus of Control. The results also showed that demographic characteristics such as age, education level, and occupation have a significant influence on menstrual attitude and Health Locus of Control. Menstrual attitude and Health Locus of Control are important factors that influence women's experiences and perceptions of menstruation. Healthcare providers and policymakers should take into consideration the cultural, social, and personal factors that influence women's experiences and perceptions of menstruation when designing interventions and programs aimed at improving menstrual health and well-being. Women should be educated on the importance of menstrual hygiene and the use of sanitary products, and they should be encouraged to seek medical care if they experience any menstrual-related problems. Healthcare providers should provide women with accurate and comprehensive information about menstruation and menstrual hygiene, and they should be sensitive to the cultural, social, and personal factors that influence women's experiences and perceptions of menstruation. Policymakers should ensure that menstrual hygiene products are available and affordable for all women, particularly in developing countries where access to these products may be limited.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY

Menstruation is a natural part of human life, yet it is often shrouded in secrecy, taboo, and negative attitudes. The menstrual cycle has been a consistent and integral aspect of human life since the dawn of humanity, playing a critical role in the reproductive process and overall health of individuals who menstruate. However, societal perceptions and cultural norms have long influenced the way menstruation is viewed and experienced. In many societies, menstruation is enveloped in myths and misconceptions that can lead to stigma, shame, and a lack of proper education and resources for menstrual health. The attitudes toward menstruation can significantly impact the psychological well-being, social behavior, and health practices of those who menstruate. Historically, various cultures have had different approaches to menstruation, ranging from viewing it as a sacred and powerful process to considering it impure or dirty. These cultural beliefs are often passed down through generations, shaping the menstrual attitudes of women and influencing how they perceive and manage their menstrual health. For instance, in some traditional African societies, menstruating women might be restricted from participating in certain activities or rituals, while in other cultures, menstrual blood is believed to have healing properties. These diverse beliefs highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of menstruation as a cultural phenomenon (Boston, 2011).

In modern urban settings like Lagos metropolis, these cultural beliefs and practices around menstruation continue to persist, albeit in a transformed manner. Lagos, as a bustling urban center, reflects a blend of traditional and contemporary influences, where modern healthcare practices coexist with long-standing cultural norms. This unique environment provides an interesting context to explore how different generations of women perceive and manage their menstruation. The attitudes of older generations, who might have been more influenced by traditional beliefs, could contrast sharply with those of younger women who are more exposed to global perspectives and modern educational resources. The Health Locus of Control (HLC) is a psychological concept that explains an individual's belief about the control they have over their health outcomes. It encompasses three dimensions: internal locus of control, where individuals believe they can influence their own health through their actions; external locus of control, where individuals attribute their health outcomes to external factors such as fate, luck, or other people; and a powerful others locus of control, where individuals believe their health is controlled by influential others, such as healthcare professionals or family members. Understanding the HLC can provide insights into how women perceive their ability to manage their menstrual health and navigate the societal attitudes surrounding menstruation (Chrisler, 2011).

This study aims to investigate the influence of Health Locus of Control on menstrual attitudes amongst three generations of women in Lagos metropolis. By examining the beliefs and attitudes of different age groups, the study seeks to uncover generational shifts in perceptions of menstruation and how these shifts might be related to broader changes in education, health awareness, and cultural practices. The findings could offer valuable insights for public health initiatives aimed at improving menstrual health education and reducing stigma. The significance of this research lies in its potential to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of menstrual health and the factors that influence it. By addressing the interplay between cultural beliefs, generational differences, and psychological constructs like HLC, the study can provide a

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