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Sexual Risk Behaviors and Menstrual and Intravaginal Practices Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Tanzania: A Cross-Sectional, School-Based Study

By Cherenack, E.M.

Objectives: Objectives were to describe menstrual and intravaginal practices and sexual risk behaviors among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in Tanzania. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in secondary schools in Tanzania. Data on menstrual practices (e.g., product use), intravaginal practices (e.g., douching), and sexual risk were analyzed using chi-square and loglinear analyses. Results: Menstrual risk practices were common. Sexual risk behaviors and intravaginal practices were high among AGYW reporting sexual debut. Conclusions: High levels of menstrual, intravaginal, and sexual risk practices highlight the need to improve menstrual, sexual, and intravaginal practices, particularly among sexually active AGYW. © 2020 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.