IMPACT OF AUDIO DRAMA ON MENSTRUAL HYGIENE AMONG VISUALLY IMPAIRED ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

Background: Menstrual hygiene management constitutes a vital aspect of adolescent health, yet visually impaired girls often encounter substantial barriers in accessing appropriate knowledge and adopting safe practices. Traditional health education methods frequently overlook the needs of this population, thereby necessitating innovative and inclusive approaches. Audio drama, as an auditory teaching modality, holds promise as an effective medium for disseminating health information to individuals with visual limitations.

Aim: The study sought to evaluate and compare the pre-intervention and post-intervention levels of awareness and hygienic practices among visually challenged adolescent girls, following the implementation of an audio drama on menstrual hygiene management.

Methods: A pre-experimental, one-group pre-test–post-test design was employed with 30 participants selected through random sampling (Lottery). Knowledge was measured using a structured questionnaire, while hygienic practices were assessed using an observational checklist. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including the paired t-test.

Results: Prior to the intervention, a majority of participants exhibited either inadequate or moderately adequate knowledge, and most reported only fair hygienic practices. Following exposure to the audio drama, 86.7% of participants achieved adequate knowledge, and 70% demonstrated good hygienic practices. Statistical analysis confirmed a significant improvement, with paired t-test values of t = 21.4 for knowledge and t = 16.7 for practice at df = 29, both significant at p < 0.05.

Conclusion: The findings provide robust evidence that audio drama is a highly effective, inclusive, and disability-sensitive educational strategy for improving menstrual hygiene awareness and practices among visually challenged adolescent girls. The study underscores the necessity of integrating innovative, accessible pedagogical approaches into adolescent health education to promote equity, empowerment, and positive behavioural change.