Menstrual Hygiene Management Research Articles

Global Health Priorities and the Neglect of Menstrual Health and Hygiene

Comfortable management of menstruation is a fundamental need for all women of reproductive age, and its absence is a denial of their basic rights. Yet millions of women and girls do not have access to menstrual hygiene facilities. Through archival research and qualitative document analysis of reports from several multilateral organizations, this paper shows that the issue of menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) has been largely absent from the global development agenda, despite its significant impact on women’s health, education, income, and well-being. It argues that three issue attributes—measurability, cultural sensitivity, and background characteristics of the affected population—have hindered the recognition and prioritization of MHH. The paper contributes to the interdisciplinary literature on agenda-setting, global health, and social movements, and to development studies more broadly. It draws attention to an under-researched subject and is the first, to my knowledge, to examine why MHH was not adopted as an issue of significance within global health. By doing so, this paper offers valuable insights for scholars and practitioners interested in advancing women’s reproductive health and rights and gender equality.

Acesso e práticas de higiene menstrual na América Latina: revisão de escopo

Objective: to synthesize available evidence related to menstrual hygiene access and practices in Latin America and the Caribbean. Method: literature scoping review with research protocol registered in the Open Science Framework, carried out in the bibliographic databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Portal Regional da Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde. Data were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Results: 15 publications were included, the majority of which addressed adolescents in Brazil: 12 articles, two technical reports and a course conclusion monograph. As recurring themes in the publications, the following stand out: Access to dignified conditions for managing menstrual hygiene; Need for access to information on menstrual hygiene management; and Practices for managing menstrual hygiene. Conclusion: adolescents report difficulties in accessing toilets, water and absorbent materials, and lack of information about menstrual health, including in schools, leading to school absenteeism. Thus, gaps in the Latin American scientific literature reveal inequalities and diversity in menstrual experiences intersected by categories such as gender, social class and ethnicity

The menstrual cup knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of Turkish women in reproductive age

ObjectiveTo evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of Turkish women of reproductive age toward menstrual cup. MethodsThis descriptive study was conducted via online platforms with 301 Turkish women between March-June 2023. The Participant Information Form was used to collect the data. A p value of <0.05 was considered. ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 26.42 ± 7.81 years. The most common used menstrual hygiene product was sanitary pad. Of the women, 72.1 % have heard of the menstrual cup before, however, only 6.6 % of the women used menstrual cups. The 42.9 % of the women who use the menstrual cup had difficulty in using it. The most common concern of women who did not use menstrual cups was that they thought they were uncomfortable and did not know how to use them. Factors such as age, marital status, place of residence, occupation, previous pregnancy and finding the menstrual hygiene product used comfortable was found statistically significantly correlated with the menstrual cup usage. ConclusionIn our study, very few of the women use menstrual cups, and nearly half of them stated that they had difficulty in using it. The participants who did not use the menstrual cup most frequently did not know how to use the cup and did not use it because they thought the cup was uncomfortable. It is essential to increase the awareness of reproductive age women about the menstrual cups.

Sustainable low-cost menstrual hygiene products

Sustainable low-cost menstrual hygiene products

GREEN PURCHASE INTENTION ANALYSIS FOR MENSTRUAL CUP PRODUCTS

This research discusses sustainability that impacts the environment. We as humans find it very difficult not to coexist with objects that have plastic materials. Especially for women, who use sanitary napkin products for single use and have a negative impact on the environment and for the women themselves can be attacked by diseases, Such as cancer. Menstrual Cup is a replacement product for disposable sanitary napkins that has better benefits compared to other menstrual products. However, in Indonesia itself, Menstrual Cup is still something foreign and taboo because of the way it is used and the negative stigma given to consumers. The research that has been conducted aims to determine how much influence Green Product Knowledge and Consumer Doubts have on the Green Purchase Intention of Menstrual Cup products. This research used Explanatory Research with a quantitative approach. Data was collected online using a web link from Qualtrics Survey, using a Semantic Differential scales. The questionnaire link was distributed through social media such as: Whatsapp, Instagram and so on. The number of respondents taken was 128 Gen Z female respondents who have experienced menstruation and who have never used a menstrual cup. The data was processed using Multiple Linear Regression. The research method used is quantitative research using multiple linear regression analysis. The findings of this study are that there is a positive influence of the Green Product Knowledge variable and the Consumer Doubt variable which does not have a significant effect on Green Purchase Intention. The results of this study can provide insight to companies and future researchers. It is also hoped that this research can be expanded to include and focus on single or married women, Gen Z, Gen Millennials and others. The limitation of this research is on Gen Z women in Jakarta who have never used menstrual cup products. There is not much research about menstrual cup, especially in Jakarta Indonesia.

Agave sisalana: towards distributed manufacturing of absorbent media for menstrual pads in semi-arid regions

Agaves are robust, drought tolerant plants that have been cultivated for their high-strength fibers for centuries and they hold promise as a crop in the face of increasing water scarcity associated with a warming planet. Meanwhile, millions of women lack access to sanitary products to safely manage their menstruation particularly in low- and middle-income countries characterized by a dry climate. To address this issue, we show a processing route that transforms the leaves of the succulent Agave sisalana into a highly absorbent and retentive (23 g/g) material. The process involves delignification combined with mechanical fluffing to increase affinity for water and porosity, respectively. This process leads to a material with an absorption capacity exceeding those found in commercially available products such as menstrual pads. Finally, the carbon footprint and water usage associated with this process are comparable to those with common alternatives with the added benefit that it can be carried out at small scales while remaining environmentally sustainable. Our work represents a step towards distributed manufacturing of essential health and hygiene products based on a local bioeconomy.

Understanding the social and physical menstrual health environment of secondary schools in Uganda: A qualitative methods study.

Adolescent girls face social, psychological, and physical problems managing menstruation in schools in low-resource settings. This study aimed to evaluate the social and physical menstrual health environment of secondary schools in Wakiso and Kalungu districts, Uganda, in preparation for a subsequent menstrual health intervention trial to improve education, health and wellbeing. We conducted a qualitative rapid assessment in 75 secondary schools in Uganda. This involved conducting in-depth interviews with 150 head/senior teachers and 274 students, 26 Focus Group Discussions with students, and 13 transect walks to observe school Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities between May and October 2021. Due to COVID-19 related school closures, face-to-face research activities were halted and in-depth interviews were conducted over phone and replaced focus group discussions. We employed a thematic framework analysis approach using the social-ecological model (which focuses on the complex interplay between individual, interpersonal, institutional, and societal factors) to generate themes and key concepts. Participants described the social and physical menstrual health environment of secondary schools at the individual level (knowledge gaps on menstruation before menarche, negative norms and beliefs about menstrual health); interpersonal level (limited psycho-social support, myths and misconceptions about the disposal of sanitary materials and pain relief, menstrual hygiene management (MHM) support from school nurses, peers and senior teachers); institutional level (non-implementation of Government circulars on MHM, lack of school-level guidelines policies and programs on MHM and poor WASH facilities, i.e. lack of soap, safe water and unclean toilets); and societal level (MHM programmes provided by civil society groups, health workers, and students' school associations). The findings showed individual, societal and institutional burdens related to menstrual experiences. Multi-level evidence-based interventions aimed at improving the social and physical environment for menstrual health among school-going girls are needed.

Menstrual health and hygiene (MHH): a bibliometric analysis

Purpose Menstruation poses psycho-physiological challenges globally due to a lack of awareness, unhygienic practices and social stigma. This paper aims to assess the existing body of research on menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) worldwide. Design/methodology/approach This study focuses on seminal works published in the Scopus Database from 1946 to 2023 for extensive bibliometric analysis, involving 756 bibliographic records analyzed through Biblioshiny and VOSviewer software. The authors use thematic analysis to identify core research themes and sub-themes, coupled with a critical review of the most highly cited articles within each thematic category. Findings The research into MHH has consistently grown since 2010, with a notable surge in the past five years. Among all countries, the USA emerges as the most active contributor, boasting the highest number of publications and citations. In terms of organizations, The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine takes the lead with 54 articles. Further, PLOS ONE and Waterlines were the most productive and influential journals, respectively. The thematic analysis identifies key research foci, including tampons, menstrual health, sanitation, hygiene and bleeding. Research limitations/implications Further research could be initiated in areas of menstrual education and awareness, menstrual product safety and effectiveness and menstrual disorders and treatments to address the concerns especially encountered by women from developing countries. Originality/value This research provides a comprehensive analysis of 77 years of MHH research, offering valuable insights into key areas of concern and guiding future research directions, ultimately addressing critical global health challenges.

Period Poverty from a Public Health and Legislative Perspective

Period poverty is a global issue that needs to be addressed as a public health crisis. It is directly related to Sustainable Health Goals three, four, five, six, and eight. Period poverty adversely affects the health of anyone capable of menstruating, which is nearly half of the world population, at the physiological, emotional, and psychosocial level. Biases, cultural beliefs, ethical reproductive justice issues, social stigma, and systemic factors contribute to period poverty. Every month, certain menstruators are disproportionately impacted by period poverty and struggle to access basic hygienic necessities. Important stakeholders include not only the individual who experiences menses but also educators and school systems, healthcare professionals, policymakers, public health officials, and researchers. Everyone has a role in addressing period poverty by voting for officials that proactively support legislation, policy, and programs at all levels to effectively advocate for menstrual equity and address barriers contributing to period poverty. This includes policies that increase access to menstrual hygiene products, safe menstrual management methods, and reproductive and women’s health education. Programs globally that focus on capacity building and sustainability strategies can be used as models to reduce period poverty, thereby fostering a sense of empowerment and menstruators’ sense of autonomy, dignity, and equality.

Redirecting to sustainable menstrual products – a holistic approach for improving public health

Purpose Access to good menstrual products is a human rights concern. It is essential for normalising the life during menstrual cycles by making available all the resources necessary for managing them. Sustainable menstrual products are the novel products which can improve the women menstrual lifestyles and reduce the discomfort associated with menstruation. However, these products are not readily adopted by the women due to their perception resulting from various factors. Hence, this study aims to figure out these perceptions, which can promote and hinder the adoption of these products. Design/methodology/approach A survey was conducted for the purpose of data collection. The study uses questionnaire as a research instrument to gain an insight on women health beliefs towards sustainable menstrual products. Data was collected from the women respondents through convenience sampling. Structural equation modelling was applied to analyse the data. Findings The findings suggest that women with appropriate knowledge had a positive perception towards the sustainable menstrual products, further leading to positive behaviour. It was also noted that marketing efforts through cues to action had an impact on their behavioural patterns. The policymakers and the marketers can focus on such prospects to advocate the use of sustainable menstrual products so that healthcare is improved. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that provides a comprehensive framework for analysing the impact of women health beliefs towards behaviour of sustainable menstrual products. The study adds meaningful insights to the sustainable menstrual literature.

Assessment of prevalence, knowledge and health-related practices of dysmenorrhea among Malaysian women in Kuala Lumpur: a cross-sectional survey

Background Menstruation is a natural phenomenon considered an important indicator of women’s health, reflecting their endocrine function. Women in low middle income countries face substantial menstrual hygiene management challenges. Data on the knowledge of dysmenorrhea and health-related practices among Malaysian women are scarce. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of dysmenorrhea among Malaysian women in Kuala Lumpur and its association with socio-demographic factors, knowledge level, and general practices. Method A cross-sectional study was carried out among Malaysian women in Kuala Lumpur. A total of 362 unmarried women, nulliparous and aged between 18 and 25 years old, were included in this study. Participants were conveniently recruited through online platforms as well as face to face using a self-administered questionnaire with five sections consisting of demographics, menstrual characteristics, Working ability, Location, Intensity, Days of pain, Dysmenorrhea (WaLIDD) score for diagnosing and assessing the severity of dysmenorrhea as well as an evaluation of respondents’ general knowledge and practices towards dysmenorrhea. The collected data were analysed using the SPSS tool, a descriptive statistic was used to report demographic characteristics. Inferential statistics was used to report the differentiation, association, and correlations of the variables. Results The prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea was 73.2%. It was found that the majority of the respondents had poor knowledge (60%) and poor practices (61.88%) of dysmenorrhea. The most common preventive practices among the respondents were using dietary supplements, and herbs, taking a rest and exercising. The findings also indicated that dysmenorrhea among the respondents was significantly associated with family history of dysmenorrhea (p = 0.002), monthly income (p = 0.001), and knowledge level (p = 0.001). Conclusion Dysmenorrhea has a high prevalence among women in Malaysia in Kula Lumpur driven by low knowledge and lack of evidence-based practices among these women. Thus, it is critical for Government and healthcare authorities to promote education related to women health among Malaysian women.

Awareness about Menstrual Hygiene Management among Visually Impaired Adolescent Girls

Menstruation is a physiological process in which females of reproductive age shed their uterine lining each month. Disabled persons may experience several forms of discrimination while they are menstruating since disability has a stigma. The current review aims to evaluate visually impaired adolescent girls’ needs for menstrual hygiene, the obstacles they face, and the interventions that can assist them in managing their periods in a sanitation and respectful way. The year 2015 to December 2022, a comprehensive search of relevant previously published articles taken from (PubMed, Google Scholar, and Global Health) provided the basis for this literature review. As per the findings of the present studies, there is very little information available on how to manage the menstrual hygiene of a visually impaired girl. Blind girls face prejudice and limitations, issues related to menstrual hygiene management for the blind are significantly more complex than for other members of the community. From the available literature, it was noted that the braille method, tactile method, audio drama etc., have proved useful in providing information about the management of menstrual hygiene. During the review literature, we found that most of the time girls get information about menstruation hygiene from their mother or their experience and learn. Menstruation hurts their physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being.

The Effect of Menstrual Cups on Sustainable Hygiene Management: Revolutionizing Menstrual Health

This review article explores the use of menstruation cups to manage period hygiene and promoting environmental sustainability. The primary goal of this paper is to review different types of commonly used menstrual products such as tampons, sanitary pads, reusable cloth pads, menstrual cups, and period underwear, including their affordability, environmental impact, and health effects. Menstrual cups are found out to be a better alternative for managing menstruation because it is reusable, affordable, and does not cause harm to environment and human health. The paper also looks at how menstruation cups empower women and help to eradicate period taboos. Menstrual cups not only offer a sustainable menstrual hygiene solution but also support larger social and cultural changes by giving people the knowledge and ability to make conversant decisions. In this review article, few case studies are discussed which highlights the transforming potential of menstruation cups. The article serves as motivating examples for governments, non-government organizations and businesses to encourage the usage of menstrual cups in female and thereby help in developing a more inclusive and sustainable future. This study also aims towards eliminating period poverty and help in achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs) i.e., SDG 3 (Well-being and Good Health), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Hygiene), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Influence of Menstrual Hygiene and Sanitation on Girls Participation in Primary School Education in West Pokot County, Kenya: Head teachers Opinion

The attainment of education for all objectives ensures that girls participate in education across the academic year even during their menstrual period. The menstrual health and hygiene management requires provision of adequate toilets, water, and sanitary pads for girls. Data from Sub-County Director of Education for Kacheliba showed that the retention and completion rate of girls for 2022 in primary school was below that of boys. This paper sought the head teachers’ opinion regarding girls’ menstrual hygiene and sanitation and its influence on girls' participation in primary school education. The study was conducted in 39 public primary schools in Kacheliba Sub-County (North Pokot), West Pokot County Kenya. The study adopted both qualitative and quantitative approaches. A sample size of 12 schols representing 30.0% were selected using simple random sampling technique. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire administered to head teachers in the selected schools. Analysis of data was done using descriptive statistics and thematic content analysis for qualitative data. Research results showed that majority of schools had inadequate toilets to be used by girlsas they ended up sharing the available ones with boys. This made it uncomfortable for them to share the toilets during their menstrual period. Considering being semi-arid, water availability was inadequate as only 1 out of 11 schools was found to have water supply during the whole academic year. The government of Kenya programme of providing free sanitary pads to girls across public primary schools in the country was found to be irregular. This state of affairs made most girls in Kacheliba sub countyabsent from school during their menstrual period. The paper concludes that menstrual hygiene and sanitation negatively affected girl child participation in primary education because incidents of absenteeism were high, truancy cases and retention was low. The the government should provide capitation funds vote for schools to purchase sanitary towels, partner with other organisations to set up hygiene and sanitation facilities, and educate the community on the need for supporting girl child menstrual hygiene and management

HOW TO GREEN PRODUCT AND ETHICAL LIVING FOR ZILENIAL GENERATION LADYNABILITY IN SURABAYA CITY ?

The purpose of this study was to analyze green products, ethical living of sanitary napkins for the zillennial generation and the impact of using sanitary napkins when women of the zilenil generation buy environmentally friendly products. A descriptive qualitative research approach using the case study method. Data collection techniques through interviews, observation and documentation using 3 informants. Based on the results of the research, it shows that not all Green products in sanitary napkins in the era of the Zillennial generation can be consumed and Ethical living in the life of the Zillennial Generation is still lacking and there is a need for education about environmental hazards, good green products will provide good environmental value . The application of green products and also green marketing in running a business has proven to have an impact on competitive advantage and also on the surrounding business environment. With so many sanitary napkin products, it is hoped that Zillennials will be more aware of, health and the surrounding environment are maintained and it is time for business people to produce green products and implement promotions among Zillennials in stages.

Relationship between menstruation-related experiences and health-related quality of life of Japanese high school students: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundRecently, there has been a growing global movement concerning menstruation, a healthy and natural physiological phenomenon in women. The disadvantages caused by menstruation are “gender-based obstacles.“ Adolescent girls are also under its influence and perhaps in a more vulnerable situation than adult women. This study investigated the experiences related to menstruation that affect health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of high school students in Japan.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted at a municipal high school in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. The study population comprised 233 female students among which 198 completed the questionnaire. The questionnaire contained items about menstruation and HRQOL measured by the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36).ResultsApproximately a quarter had experienced difficulties in obtaining sanitary products in the past year, whether for economic or non-economic reasons. Menstruation-associated symptoms, impact on daily life, trouble with menstruation at an unexpected time, usage of painkillers, unhealthy lifestyle, and negative perception of menstruation were significantly associated with lower HRQOL scores, particularly in the mental component summary scores of the SF-36.ConclusionsFor the high school students with severe menstruation-associated symptoms that interfere with their daily lives, the results of this study suggest that improving access to medical care, information, and education can contribute to a better HRQOL.

Graphic design for women

This paper aims to analyse the packaging of menstrual products, taking into account that they are indispensable for women in their cycle days. Within this range of products, menstrual cups stand out. A quantitative analysis of the packaging of the most sold menstrual cups in 2023 will be carried out, looking at the colors, shapes, typographies, materials and textures to see if they respond to the particular state of women on those days. There are numerous studies that investigate the advertising of this type of product, but there is no analysis that explains how the packaging design is adapted to the situation of women during menstruation. This research aims to fill that gap and provide data on this. The conclusion reached is that the most superficial needs of menstruation have been taken into account in the designs observed, but without delving into a more realistic design. The environments evoked are far from reality and therefore from the understanding of women in those days.

Assessing the link between hygienic material use during menstruation and self-reported reproductive tract infections among women in India: a propensity score matching approach.

Reproductive tract infections (RTIs) present a substantial health concern for women, especially in developing nations such as India, where inadequate access to proper sanitation and hygiene facilities frequently results in suboptimal menstrual health and hygiene (MHH), exacerbating the risk of RTIs. In this study, we analysed the self-reported prevalence of RTIs among young women in India and evaluated the impact of hygienic menstrual material usage on these RTIs. The study used information on 27,983 women aged 15-24 years, from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) (2019-21). The prevalence of RTIs was calculated for all the states and UTs of India, and propensity score matching (PSM) technique was used to evaluate the impact of hygienic material use on RTIs among women in India. Every four out of 100 women reported RTIs in India in 2019-21. Notably, RTI prevalence displayed substantial state-level disparities. West Bengal exhibited the highest RTI prevalence at 9.3%, followed by Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh, all surpassing 6%. In contrast, the lowest RTI rates were recorded in Puducherry at 0.9%, succeeded by Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Odisha, and Jammu & Kashmir, all registering rates below 2%. The PSM analysis revealed that women who utilized hygienic materials during menstruation exhibited a reduced prevalence of RTIs (referred to as the "treated group" with an Average Treatment Effect on the Treated (ATT) of 0.0315) compared to those who did not utilize such materials (referred to as the "control group" with an ATT of 0.0416). The study underscores the critical significance of using hygienic materials during menstruation as a preventive measure against RTIs among women in India. The findings suggest the need for targeted interventions focused at promoting hygienic menstrual materials to reduce the prevalence of RTIs among women in India.

Breaking Down Stigmas: Ways Academic Libraries Can Address Menstrual Insecurity

Period poverty, which is the lack of access to menstrual products, is a public health issue and impacts one in ten college students. Not having access to necessary products results in consequences like missing classes or job shifts and can also lead to an increase in depression and anxiety. However, despite this being a prominent issue on college campuses, there is little awareness and support offered to students experiencing this challenge. This column addresses why it is critical that more awareness is brought to this issue, why academic libraries should play an important role in addressing this issue and discuss different ways library administration can show support for this public health issue.

Menstrual hygiene management among Nigerian adolescent girls: Knowledge and associated factors

Introduction: Menstruation is a crucial aspect of the monthly expected events in the life of a female starting at puberty. It is expected that females who have attained menarche, maintain a level of hygiene, but it is somewhat difficult in most low and middle-income countries due to many factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge and factors impacting menstrual hygiene practices among Nigerian adolescent girls. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted, data was collected among 315 secondary school students in Umuahia, Abia State using a closed-ended questionnaire. Collected data was analysed using descriptive statistics. Relationship between practice of menstrual hygiene management and the adolescent girls’ knowledge about menstruation was assessed using linear regression model and t-test at p &lt;0.05 level of significance. Results: The majority of the respondents (67.3%) are between age 11 and 15 (mean age; 14.34±3.8). Above average (58.7 %) had good knowledge about menstrual hygiene management, and the majority (83.8% and 94.6%) learnt about menstruation and menstrual hygiene management from parents and teachings in school respectively. Age at menarche was significantly associated with knowledge about menstruation at p= 0.011. However, age at menarche and knowledge about menstruation were not significantly associated with the menstrual hygiene management. Non-availability of menstrual materials and facilities for proper waste disposal were some factors affecting proper menstrual hygiene management. Conclusion: Knowledge about proper menstrual hygiene management still requires urgent attention among adolescent girls due to the inadequate knowledge found among over one-third of the study participants. Ultimately, the provision of menstrual materials should be considered a priority for adolescent girls and they should be able to practice menstrual hygiene without problems of non-availability of menstrual materials. Facilities for proper disposal of waste should be made available in schools.