Menstrual Hygiene Research Articles

ADAPTABLE MATERIALS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: A FOCUS ON SANITARY PADS

Menstrual hygiene is a vital health issue affecting millions of women and girls globally, impacting their physical health, dignity, and participation in various social, educational, and economic activities (Sommer et. al., 2016). Traditional sanitary pads, predominantly composed of non-biodegradable plastics and synthetic fibres, pose severe environmental challenges, taking hundreds of years to decompose and contributing to significant waste (Garside & Sutherland, 2019). These conventional products lead to landfill overload, water pollution, air pollution from incineration, and related health hazards (Smith, 2020). Additionally, the economic and social barriers posed by the high cost of these products disrupt education, workplace participation, and perpetuate social stigmas (Kuhlmann, 2018). This paper examines the use of adaptable materials to create sustainable sanitary pads, focusing on innovative materials like biodegradable and reusable options (White & O'Neill, 2021). It highlights the potential for technological advancements to revolutionize menstrual hygiene management, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to health, gender equality, responsible consumption, and climate action (United Nations, 2021). The paper also presents case studies of successful initiatives worldwide, addressing challenges and proposing solutions to promote widespread adoption of sustainable menstrual hygiene products (Chaudhary & Dhawan, 2022). Through collaborative efforts in education, policy-making, and community engagement, sustainable sanitary pads can contribute significantly to a healthier, more equitable, and environmentally friendly future (Jones, 2023).

How Menstrual Hygiene Management Facilities are Supportive to Girl Students in the School Environment in Tanzania

The study aimed at examining how menstrual hygiene facilities are supportive to girl students in the school environment in selected secondary school in Dodoma city. The study adopted exploratory research design. This study employed a qualitative approach with semi-structured interviews and focus group discussion as data collection tools. A total of 29 students from four different private and public schools in Dodoma city were involved. The study found that menstrual hygiene management facilities were not supportive to girl students in the school environment. Most girls faced different challenges when they were at school; this study found out that there was insufficient water, soap, pads, scarce toilets and no private rooms. Most of them waited until the end of the session; they would not leave the class until they were the last to leave and when they leave, would wrap sweaters around their waists. The findings revealed that the selected secondary schools in Dodoma City have no private changing rooms. Female students were use conventional restroom facilities as personal changing areas. The study recommends that the government, through the Ministry of Health, should make available sanitary pads and distribute them to all secondary school girls for free. Further, the government should set aside 1% of all education budget to be used in the production of sanitary pads. The government may exempt tax to all sanitary products produced within and outside the country to reduce the price of the product.

The Impact of Saline Water on Women's Health in the Coastal Region of Bangladesh: Special Attention on Menstrual Hygiene Practices.

Introduction Salinity intrusion is the most common global concern along coastlines, but it can happen inland also. The lack of freshwater is the primary issue affecting the coastal areas. Many health problems are prevalent among the inhabitantsdue to their frequent use of salted water. The health of women living along the coastline is getting progressively compromised due to salinity intrusion. Objectives The study aims to determine menstrual health practices and other health problems faced bywomen in the coastal region of Bangladesh. Methods The study was conducted using a survey research designfrom May 2023 to October 2023 on rural women aged 18 to 45 years, who lived in the Bangladeshi village of Koyra Upazila in the Khulna district. Thesample size of the study was 101. Open- and closed-ended questions from a planned interview schedule were used to gather primary data. Additional information from appropriate sources, e.g., newspapers, publications, and books, was utilized to enhancethe comprehensiveness of statistical analysis and support rationality. A p-value of 0.05 was considered significant. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA version 15 (StataCorp LLC, College Station, TX). Results Menstrual hygiene practices showed a higher prevalence of using fabric rags and reusing them after rinsing them in salt water (72.3%) than sanitary pads (25.7%). It was observed that the risk of diarrhea among tubewell water and rainwaterusers was significantly lowered by 0.25 times (95% CI = 0.06, 0.99; p = 0.049) and 0.06 times (95% CI = 0.01, 0.43; p = 0.005), respectively, compared to pond water users. Conclusion Salinityhas a significant impact on the livelihoods and health of coastal women. The village womenare unaware of the health risks of excessive saline water use. Establishing an adequate supply of freshwater reservoirsfor the entire communitythroughout the yearis analternativefor womento use as a source of water for hygiene necessities.

Menstruation & Menstrual Hygiene Management for Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder From the Perspectives of School Personnel

Abstract Date Presented 03/22/24 Menstruation and menstrual hygiene management for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is within the scope of OT. This poster highlights the perspectives of school personnel with regard to menstruation and students with ASD . Primary Author and Speaker: Glynnis Jones Additional Authors and Speakers: Dominique Ambrozia, Anthea Deveyra, Cailin Boyle Contributing Authors: Ann Potter, Kimberly D. Wynarczuk

Menstruation & Menstrual Hygiene Management for Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder From the Perspectives of Caregivers

Abstract Date Presented 03/22/24 Menstruation and menstrual hygiene management for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an area of OT that is underdiscussed. This poster highlights the perspectives of caregivers of children with ASD with regard to menstruation. Primary Author and Speaker: Glynnis Jones Additional Authors and Speakers: Samantha Helsley, Alexandra Grasso, Rebecah Fox, Ava Tumminello Contributing Authors: Kimberly D. Wynarczuk, Ann Potter

Do school Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene facilities affect students' health status, attendance, and educational achievements? A qualitative study in Nepal.

Access to safe and sufficient drinking Water, Sanitation, and good Hygiene (WASH) facilities in schools play a crucial role in preventing students from numerous Neglected Tropical Diseases, improving the learning environment in schools, and creating resilient communities living in a healthy environment. This study aims to explore the impact of combining WASH facilities on students' health status, school attendance, and educational achievements. Four schools, two with improved and two without improved WASH facilities, were selected purposively from Dhanusha and Chitwan districts of Nepal. A total of 24 participants, 16 students, and eight teachers were also purposively selected based on the Theory of Data Saturation. The participants were interviewed face-to-face using study guidelines; Key Informants Interview for teachers and In-depth Interview for students. The data were audio recorded and analyzed thematically using Dedoose 9.0.17 qualitative data management and analysis software. School WASH facilities have a significant impact on students' health and well-being. Poor school-WASH facilities hindered students' school attendance, particularly for menstruating girls. School without separate toilets for girls, including menstruation hygiene facilities, lack of water and soap, sanitary pad, and secure toilet's door often have higher rates of absenteeism among girls. Poor teacher and students' relationships, students' low interest in education, household chores, and participation in social customs also contribute to students' absence from school and low educational performance. It is important to note that inadequate WASH facilities affect not only students, but also teachers in the same school. The lack of safe and sufficient drinking water, unimproved sanitation, and poor hygiene facilities were seen by students and teachers as reducing their health and well-being, school attendance, and academic performance. Thus, schools need prioritize and promote the provision of improved WASH facilities for the betterment of students' health, attendance, and educational proficiency.

The effect of hygienic material use during menstruation on the prevalence of RTIs symptoms among women in India

Background: Every month, healthy adolescent girls and pre-menopausal adult women are impacted by the crucial topic of menstrual hygiene. Menstrual hygiene management is essential to women’s reproductive health. Menstrual product consumption, poor cleaning techniques, and material reuse are examples of suboptimal menstrual health and hygiene. So, the current study was planned to assess the impact of hygienic material use during menstruation on the prevalence of RTIs among women in India. Methods: A cross-sectional, comparative community-based study was conducted in urban and rural areas of Bangalore, India. Study was conducted from December 2023 to March 2024. All female patients in reproductive age group attending RHTC and UHTC OPD were included. Interview method was used to collect data from consented participants on socio demographic details, products used for menstrual hygiene and symptoms suggestive of RTI in last 6 months were collected. Results: A community-based study was conducted in rural and urban field practice area of a medical college in Bangalore. A total of 258 participants attending UHTC and RHTC centres were included from each area. The proportion of participants with RTI symptoms were 62.2%. In current study 20.3% participants reported lower abdominal pain and 18.6% of participants had pain during micturition in past 6 months. Conclusions: Our study’s findings show a direct link between subpar MHM procedures and RTI symptoms. Our results confirm international recommendations for a dual focus on providing suitable absorbent materials and making sure that ambient conditions allow associated hygiene, such as washing, safety, and dignity for women.

 Menstrual hygiene management among government school going adolescent girls in Tumakuru District, Karnataka in India: a comparative cross-sectional study

 Menstrual hygiene management among government school going adolescent girls in Tumakuru District, Karnataka in India: a comparative cross-sectional study

Menstrual hygiene management practice and associated factors among high school and preparatory school adolescent students in Debre Markos town, Northwest, Ethiopia: a mixed-method study

BackgroundDespite being a normal occurrence, menstruation requires hygienic care and is associated with a number of myths and wrongdoings. Menstrual hygiene issues have been linked to major health issues, such as urinary tract and reproductive tract infections. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the management of menstrual hygiene and related aspects among teenage students in Debre Markos town, North West, Ethiopia.MethodsFrom March 15 to April 15, 2019, teenage pupils in Debre Markos town participated in a cross-sectional mixed study. An in-depth interview and a self-administered structured questionnaire were used to gather data. Quantitative information was imported into Epi Data and then exported to SPSS for examination. A 95% Confidence Interval of p-value ≤ 0.05 was used to declare significance. The method of thematic content analysis was used to examine the qualitative data.ResultThis study comprised 531 individuals in total, with a 96.2% response rate. Approximately 260 adolescent females (49%, 95% CI: 39.2, 59.2) had good management practices for menstrual hygiene. Girls whose mothers were private employees (AOR: 0.3, 95% CI: 0.09, 0.99), self-employed (AOR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.28, 0.98) and housewives (AOR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.29, 0.98), and parent-adolescent discussions about menstruation (AOR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.40, 3.34) were significantly associated with good menstrual hygiene management. Adolescence aged 17 years or older (AOR: 2.13, 95% CI: 1.32, 3.44) were found to have good knowledge regarding menstrual hygiene (AOR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.43, 2.94). The qualitative study found that ignorance, an unfavorable school climate, and cultural and economic factors were the main causes of teenagers’ poor menstrual hygiene.ConclusionNearly half of adolescent girls had good menstrual hygiene practice. Menstrual hygiene practice was associated with adolescent age, knowledge of menstruation, maternal occupational and discussion with parents. Girls had difficulty to manage menstrual hygiene due to poor knowledge, unsafe school environment, and cultural barriers. Thus, school-based programs aimed at improving knowledge towards menstrual hygiene management are needed.

Building a Future for School-Based Menstruation Health and Hygiene (MHH): Evaluating Implementation of a Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) Policy in Chicago Public Schools

Menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) inequities disproportionately impact communities who are marginalized. In 2018, Illinois passed the Learn with Dignity Act (LWDA) requiring schools to provide menstrual products in bathrooms, yet little is known about its impacts. This evaluation examined LWDA implementation across Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and identified barriers, facilitators, and lessons to inform future MHH policy implementations. A qualitative study was conducted by thematically analyzing interviews with CPS staff (n = 36) from October 2020 – September 2021 in partnership with CPS Office of Student Health and Wellness (OSHW). Staff reported inadequate LWDA and MHH education and inconsistent menstrual product availability. Structural, systemic, and cultural implementation barriers hindered student access to products and created inequities based on age, gender, and income. Staff investment and student education were implementation facilitators. Staff awareness of policy implementation protocol, student MHH education, and addressing access inequities are key factors for consideration in future policy implementations. Through the WSCC model, these findings demonstrated the importance of strengthening MHH policies and policy implementation to promote student health, well-being, and educational opportunities.

Menstrual Hygiene: Barriers and Support for Adolescents with Intellectual Disability

Menstrual Hygiene: Barriers and Support for Adolescents with Intellectual Disability

Understanding potential determinants of menstruation-related school absenteeism in Zimbabwe: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) plays a vital role in protecting the dignity, safety, privacy, and wellbeing of girls and women. In low- and medium-income countries, students often face challenges to manage their menstruation in schools. In 2019, Zimbabwe conducted the first national formative research to inform MHH programming in schools. This study conducted a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from the national formative research to explore potential determinants of menstruation-related school absenteeism in Zimbabwe. The analysis included 1,393 students from 50 schools, and the main outcome variable measured if students ever missed school due to menstruation. Multivariate analysis employed nested logistic regression models after controlling for the complex survey design. The results revealed that 20.6% of students had ever been absent from school due to menstruation-related issues. Students' age, challenges with concentration, physical sickness, and pain were significantly associated with school absenteeism in this context. Presence of a reliable school water source and availability of adequate handwashing resources at sanitation facilities were protective factors. The evidence-based MHH programming can be further advocated and scaled up to promote students' good health and wellbeing, maximize their educational opportunities, and develop their fullest potential in life.

School teachers’ menstrual experiences and practices: reflections from rural Rajasthan, India

Menstruation is considered an off-limits subject in India where menstruating woman continue to face silence, discrimination and isolation. A mesh of patriarchal cultural practices surrounding the subject of menstruation places restrictions on girls and women who are menstruating. This paper explores the menstrual experiences and challenges experienced by teachers from a village located in a Kishangarh block in rural Rajasthan. Informed by qualitative research, the study reveals the irony in thrust to distribute disposable menstrual pads to adolescent girls in school while ignoring the needs of teachers. The study calls for the inclusion of teachers as key stakeholders in the design of school based menstrual hygiene management and awareness initiatives and programmes.

Relationship between Knowledge, Information, and School Sanitation Facility with Menstrual Hygiene Practices Among Schoolgirls

Introduction: Menstrual hygiene practices are a form of self-care mainly related to mantaining the hygiene of reproductive organs specifically during menstruation. Based on previous research there are still various challenges for students to be able to maintain their menstrual hygiene in school, these challenges includes knowledge about menstruation, information, as well as school sanitation facility. Objective: The study aims to identify the relationship of knowledge, information, and school sanitation with menstrual hygiene practices in junior highschool students. Method: This study uses cross sectional carried out at one of Juniorhigh School in Wonokromo, Surabaya. The population in this study was a total of 45 girls, and the sample used 41 girls. The data analysis method is descriptive and analytical, using a chi-square test with (?=5% or 0.05) to identify the relationship of knowledge, information, and school sanitation facility with student menstrual hygiene practices. Result: The results of the study showed that 29 girls (71%) have good menstrual hygiene practices, and 12 other girls (29%) have poor menstrual hygiene practices. 32 girls (78%) stated that menstrual higiene information in the school was adequate and 9 girls (22%) said that the school's menstrual hygiene information was insufficient. Furthermore, 32 girls (78%) stated that school sanitation facilities were sufficient and could support the implementation of the Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM), while the other 9 girls (22%) stated that the school hygiene facilities weren't sufficient for girls. The results of the bivariable analysis shows that there are meaningful relationships between knowledge, information and school sanitation facility with menstrual hygiene practices. Conclusion: This study shows the relationship between knowledge, information, and school sanitation facility with menstrual hygiene practices among schoolgirls.

Period poverty, reuse needs, and depressive symptoms among refugee menstruators in Jordan’s camps: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundPeriod poverty is a significant issue that impacts the physical and psychological well-being of menstruators worldwide which can further contribute to poor mental health outcomes. For menstruators living in refugee camps, access to menstrual hygiene products is often limited or non-existent, leading to increased anxiety, shame, and embarrassment. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of the period poverty and to comprehensively analyze the association between period poverty, reusing menstrual products, and depressive symptoms among menstruators living in refugee camps in Jordan.MethodsA cross-sectional study surveyed refugee menstruators living in camps in Jordan, aged post-menarche to pre-menopause. Data collection included socio-demographics, menstrual practices, and depressive symptoms using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Period poverty was assessed through affordability and frequency of struggles with menstrual products. Chi-squared test, independent sample t-test, One Way Analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Post hoc, and logistic regression models were used in the analysis.ResultsThe study included a diverse sample of 386 refugee menstruators living in camps in Jordan (mean age 32.43 ± 9.95, age range 13–55). Period poverty was highly prevalent, with 42.0% reporting monthly struggles to afford menstrual products, and 71.5% reusing menstrual products. Univariate analysis revealed that experiencing period poverty was significantly associated with a younger age of marriage, increased number of children, lower education level, lower mother and father education levels, unemployment, decreased monthly income, absence of health insurance, lower reuse need score, and increased PHQ-9 score (p < 0.05). Menstruators experiencing monthly period poverty were 2.224 times more likely to report moderate to severe depression compared to those without period poverty (95% CI 1.069–4.631, P = 0.033).ConclusionThis study highlights a significant association between period poverty and depressive symptoms among refugee menstruators in living in camps in Jordan, as high rates of period poverty were associated with a 2.2-fold increased likelihood of reporting moderate to severe depression. Addressing period poverty in refugee settings is crucial for mitigating depression risks and enhancing overall well-being.

Investigation of Menstrual Hygiene and Self-Care Skills of Adolescent Girls with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Mother Views.

Puberty a period of transition from childhood to adulthood, poses problems that are difficult to manage for typically developing adolescents, but even more difficult for adolescents with autism. It is vital that girls with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), like their typically developing peers, are able to manage these physiological processes in a healthy way and learn self-care and hygiene behaviours without being dependent on others. Given the contribution of mothers to the menstrual hygiene and self-care skills of adolescent girls, this study aims to explore the views of mothers. The study is a case study designed in the qualitative research model. The research was carried out with the participation of 10 mothers met the necessary criteria and agreed to take part in the study voluntarily. The data obtained were subjected to descriptive and thematic analysis. Codes, sub-themes and main themes were created. The research identifies the themes of self-care and menstrual hygiene, preparations made during menstruation, behavioral problems in adolescents, the person who carries out hygiene and self-care, and situations that tire/strain mothers during menstruation. At the end of the research, it was concluded that the adolescent girls with ASD are mostly unable to perform their self-care and hygiene adequately, and that the mothers do nothing to prepare their daughters for adolescence. It was also concluded that the most stressful situation for mothers during adolescence is usually the difficulty their daughters have in using sanitary pads, cleaning armpits and genital hair, and bathing.

“Male’s Perception About Menstruation, it’s Associated Problems and Menstrual Hygiene in their Female Partners: A Qualitative Study”

Aim: Present study was conducted to assess the knowledge and perception of men about menstruation and it’s associated problems in their female partners. Background: Menstruation is considered a social stigma in many low- and middle-income countries. Objectives: To assess men’s attitudes, beliefs, understandings, and knowledge about menstruation. Methods: The study involved interviews of 80 male partners of females attending the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of the rural tertiary center of Southern India for various complaints over one year. Data obtained was analyzed using thematic analysis. Four themes with sub-themes reflecting responses to key questions were formed: men’s perception and knowledge about menstruation, cultural and societal issues, men’s observation and attitude towards their wives during menstruation, and the father’s role in generating awareness. Results: Of 80 participants, 92.5% were comfortable, 6.25% uncomfortable and 1.25% were not sure about the interview. Their feelings about menstruation varied from nothing, disgusting/bad, to normal. Men’s knowledge about menstruation was restricted and the majority were hesitant to discuss it. Almost everyone was aware of cultural taboos being followed at home, with most responses revealing menstruating women as untouchable/impure. Men observed changes in mood, sleep, and sexual desire of their partners before and during menstruation. The majority wanted their children to know about menstruation, but they don’t want to teach. Overall feedback about the interview was positive. Conclusion: Ignorance and secrecy related to menstruation, stop men from understanding the problems faced by women. Educating boys about menstruation and menstrual hygiene is the only way to uproot the long-standing stigma attached to menstruation.

Menstrual Practice Needs Scale short form (MPNS-SF) and rapid (MPNS-R): development in Khulna, Bangladesh, and validation in cross-sectional surveys from Bangladesh and Uganda

ObjectivesDevelop and validate short and rapid forms of the 36-item Menstrual Practice Needs Scale (MPNS-36).DesignItem reduction prioritised content validity and was informed by cognitive interviews with schoolgirls in Bangladesh, performance...

Étude RIESC : risques d’infections uro-génitales et d’expulsion dans l’association stérilet et coupe menstruelle

ObjectivesThe increase in intrauterine devices (IUDs) contraception, and the growing use of reusables menstrual hygiene products such as the menstrual cup, necessitates an assessment of the implications of their co-use. The objectives are to assess whether women with IUDs who use menstrual cups have an increased risk of IUD expulsion and/or a change in the risk of upper and lower urogenital tract infections compared to women who use other menstrual hygiene products. MethodAn observational, prospective, multicenter study was conducted in France between 2020 and 2023. Participants were recruited by health professionals and data were collected by telephone questionnaire at the time of IUD insertion and at one year. The primary endpoints were the occurrence of IUD expulsion and the occurrence of urogenital tract infections in menstrual cup users compared to non-users. ResultsOne hundred and three women out of 119 included were analyzed, 25 of them were regular menstrual cup users and five experienced IUD expulsion. Among regular users, 12% experienced IUD expulsion compared to 2.6% among non-users, with no statistically significant difference (Chi2=3.65; P=0.056). Regarding urogenital tract infections, nine women (36%) of the regular menstrual cup users had urogenital infections, compared with 27 (34.6%) of the non-users or not regular users, with no statistically significant difference. ConclusionThe tendency of menstrual cup users to expel their IUDs is a reason for caution, although it is not sufficient to contraindicate co-use. Physicians should therefore systematically screen such co-use and inform patients of the risks and monitoring instructions.

A descriptive study to assess the knowledge and practice of menstrual hygiene and complementary &amp; alternative therapy in menstrual problems among nursing students in selected nursing academic institutions, West Bengal

A descriptive study to assess the knowledge and practice of menstrual hygiene and complementary &amp; alternative therapy in menstrual problems among nursing students in selected nursing academic institutions, West Bengal