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García-Egea A, Holst AS, Jacques-Aviñó C, Martínez-Bueno C, Berenguera A, Vicente-Hernández MM, Valls-Llobet C, Pinzón-Sanabria D, Pujolar-Díaz G, Medina-Perucha L. Perspectives on menstrual policymaking and community-based actions in Catalonia (Spain): a qualitative study. Reprod Health 2024; 21:1. [PMID: 38178256 PMCID: PMC10768382 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-023-01730-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Menstrual research and policymaking have become imperative worldwide. It is necessary that these are informed by women and people who menstruate (PWM) alongside expert professionals and activists. METHODS The main aim of this study was to identify and propose policies and community-based actions to address menstrual inequity and promote menstrual health in Catalonia (Spain). This study consisted of two qualitative studies: (a) 34 individual photoelicitation interviews with women and PWM, (b) a World Café study with 22 professionals and activists. Sampling for both studies was purposive and selective. Recruitment was conducted through healthcare centres, social media, key contacts, and snowball sampling techniques. Data were collected in December 2020-September 2022, and analysed using Framework Analysis. RESULTS Participants considered the implementation of menstrual policies that address the taboo and stigma of menstruation to be crucial. They stressed the need for menstrual education, which should be integrated into formal education curricula. Participants, and especially women and PWM, highlighted the need to improve the access and quality of healthcare services, so that the menstrual cycle and menstruation are seen as health indicators. Health professionals should encourage agentic informed decisions, hence why both participant groups considered menstrual health education amongst health professionals to be pivotal. Taking action to improve the access and affordability of menstrual products was also imperative for participants, especially for socioeconomically vulnerable populations. Participants agreed on guaranteeing fully equipped menstrual management facilities, and and professionals discussed gender-neutral and sex-segregated bathrooms. Workplace menstrual policies to accommodate and ensure menstrual self-care were also suggested. CONCLUSIONS Our study highlights the need for multi-dimensional menstrual policies. These should include actions to address menstrual taboo and stigma, to promote menstrual education that goes beyond the hegemonic biomedical prism, to improve the access and quality of menstrual health services, along with policies ensuring adequate menstrual management facilities in public spaces and the access to menstrual products. Policymaking should also focus on how to ensure menstrual management and care in workplaces. Menstrual policies and community-based actions should be framed within intersectionality, to consider how societal structures of power and oppression influence menstrual experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea García-Egea
- Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes 587 attic, 08007, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Anna Sofie Holst
- Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes 587 attic, 08007, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Constanza Jacques-Aviñó
- Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes 587 attic, 08007, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
- Network for Research on Chronicity, Primary Care, and Health Promotion (RICAPPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Martínez-Bueno
- Servei d'Atenció a la Salut Sexual i Reproductiva (ASSIR), Direcció Assistencial d'Atenció Primària, Institut Català de la Salut, Barcelona, Spain
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Care Research Group (GRASSIR), Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Berenguera
- Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes 587 attic, 08007, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
- Network for Research on Chronicity, Primary Care, and Health Promotion (RICAPPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Departament d'Infermeria, Universitat de Girona, Girona, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Georgina Pujolar-Díaz
- Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes 587 attic, 08007, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Laura Medina-Perucha
- Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes 587 attic, 08007, Barcelona, Spain.
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.
- Network for Research on Chronicity, Primary Care, and Health Promotion (RICAPPS), Barcelona, Spain.
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Murshid ME, Shimpuku Y, Islam MZ, Rahman MM, Chen S. Effects of the Involvement of Male Counterparts in the Menstrual Hygiene Management of Women and Adolescent Girls With Disabilities in Selected Sub-districts of Bangladesh: Protocol for a Quasi-experimental Study. Cureus 2023; 15:e47704. [PMID: 38021506 PMCID: PMC10674110 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.47704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Women and adolescent girls with disabilities suffer the most difficulties during menstruation days in developing countries like Bangladesh. They deal with menstruation in a hazardous and unclean manner. In Bangladesh, men serve as the family's gatekeepers for health-seeking behavior. But they frequently have no idea how unpleasant and demanding menstruation can be. Menstrual hygiene care for women and adolescent girls with disabilities can be improved by involving male peers. In Bangladesh, no such intervention has been assessed. The purpose of the study is to assess the effects of male participation on menstrual hygiene management of women and adolescent girls with disabilities in Bangladesh. Methods This will be a quasi-experimental study with a sample size of 120 (60 - control, 60 - intervention). The study will be conducted in a sub-district of Bogura and Chapainawabganj in Bangladesh. Inclusion criteria for the study participants are women and adolescent girls with disabilities (intervention and control groups) and male counterparts (intervention group). The exclusion criteria for this study are women and adolescent girls with mental and intellectual disabilities. Engaging male peers in menstrual hygiene management is the key intervention in the study. No blinding or randomization will be applied. The expected primary outcome in the intervention group will be an improvement in the menstrual hygiene management of women and adolescent girls with disabilities in the selected sub-districts of Bangladesh. Two times data will be collected from the intervention and control groups using the 'Menstrual Practice Needs Scale-36', 'Perceived Stress Scale', and 'Multi-dimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support'. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) test will be applied to a two-point data series to assess statistical significance. Results The result of the study will be published in a scientific journal. The outcomes of the research will be disseminated to local policymakers and health planners. The health administrator will get evidence-based information on gender-inclusive menstrual hygiene management for women and adolescent girls with disabilities through study result dissemination events. Conclusion This protocol for a quasi-experimental study in Bangladesh highlights the potential advantages of involving male peers in the menstrual hygiene management of women and adolescent girls with disabilities. It may promote gender-inclusive behavior in selected subdistricts of Bangladesh.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munzur E Murshid
- Department of Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, JPN
| | - Yoko Shimpuku
- Department of Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, JPN
| | - Md Ziaul Islam
- Department of Community Medicine, National Institute of Preventive and Social Medicine, Dhaka, BGD
| | - Md Moshiur Rahman
- Department of Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, JPN
| | - Sanmei Chen
- Department of Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, JPN
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Singh DR, Shrestha S, Karki K, Sunuwar DR, Khadka DB, Maharjan D, Sah LK, Simkhada B, Sah RK. Parental knowledge and communication with their adolescent on sexual and reproductive health issues in Nepal. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289116. [PMID: 37490487 PMCID: PMC10368235 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parental knowledge about sexual and reproductive health issues and adequate communication with their adolescent on these issues are crucial in promoting adolescent sexual and reproductive health. Although there are evidence on adolescent perceptions of their sexual health issues, research on parental perspectives of adolescent sexual health and parent-adolescent communication about sexual health issues in Nepal remains unexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to assess parental knowledge and communication practice about sexual and reproductive health with their adolescent children in Lalitpur Metropolitan City of Nepal. METHODS A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted between January and March 2019 among randomly selected 308 parents of adolescents (aged 10-19 years) residing in Lalitpur Metropolitan City of Nepal. Face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires were conducted to collect the data. The collected data were entered into EpiData software v3.1, and data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows Version 21.0 (IBM Corp. Armonk, NY, USA). The statistical significance was considered at a p-value <0.05 and a 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS Of 308 parents, one-third of parents were found to have correct knowledge about safe abortion, menstrual hygiene and management, modern contraceptives, prevention of sexually transmitted infections, wet dreams among male adolescents, abstaining from sexual intercourse during the fertile period, and the possibility of a male adolescent to impregnate a girl. In addition, only 40.9% of parents were found to have communicated with their adolescent children about sexual and reproductive health issues. Parents who have knowledge about puberty (aOR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.2-3.9), belong to Bharamin/Chhetri ethnic group (aOR = 1.2, 95% CI: 1.1-2.2), self-employed (aOR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.3-4.0), having two or more adolescent children (aOR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.1-3.6), and whose adolescent children were staying in school hostel (aOR = 1.7, 95% CI:1.0-3.0) were more likely to have parental communication about sexual and reproductive health with their adolescent children. CONCLUSIONS Most parents do not communicate with their adolescent children on sexual health topics, although they feel sexual health education is essential to adolescents. The majority of parents were found inadequately aware of adolescent sexual health issues. It is crucial to have contextual interventions that would encourage parent-adolescent communication on sexual health matters in an integrated way to promote adolescent sexual and reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devendra Raj Singh
- Department of Public Health, Central Institute of Science and Technology (CIST) College, Pokhara University, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Department of Public Health, Asian College for Advance Studies, Purbanchal University, Satdobato, Lalitpur, Nepal
- School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, United Kingdom
| | - Shreesha Shrestha
- Department of Public Health, Asian College for Advance Studies, Purbanchal University, Satdobato, Lalitpur, Nepal
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
| | - Kshitij Karki
- Department of Public Health, Asian College for Advance Studies, Purbanchal University, Satdobato, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Dev Ram Sunuwar
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Dan Bahadur Khadka
- Research and Innovation Section, Southeast Asia Development Action Network, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Dikshya Maharjan
- Department of Public Health, Asian College for Advance Studies, Purbanchal University, Satdobato, Lalitpur, Nepal
- Ecole des hautes études en santé publique (EHESP School of Public Health), Rennes Cedex, France
| | - Lalita Kumari Sah
- School of Nursing and Healthcare Leadership, University of Bradford, Bradford, United Kindom
| | - Bibha Simkhada
- School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, United Kingdom
| | - Rajeeb Kumar Sah
- School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, United Kingdom
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Inthaphatha S, Isin-Xiong L, Louangpradith V, Xiong V, Xaitengcha V, Phengsavanh A, Nishino K, Hamajima N, Yamamoto E. Period shaming behavior among male students in Luang Prabang Province, Lao People's Democratic Republic: A cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288145. [PMID: 37410711 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Period shaming is defined as any negative and/or disrespectful behavior in relation to the menstrual cycle and menstruating girls. It is suggested that period shaming may limit girls' potential and ability to fully participate in school and community activities. This study aims to examine the prevalence and factors associated with period shaming among male students in Luang Prabang Province, Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). This was a cross-sectional study which was conducted during November 19-27, 2020. This study included 1,232 male students from secondary school grade 9 to 12 in Luang Prabang Province, Lao PDR. Informed consent was obtained from the participants, parents/guardians, and teachers prior to data collection. The data was collected by a self-administered questionnaire. Logistic regression was employed to examine factors associated with period shaming behavior among male students. The mean age of the participants was 16.4 years old. Of all the male students, 18.8% admitted that they had shamed girls during their menstruation at least once. Of those who committed period shaming, they shamed girls some of the times (63.2%). Male students who had consumed alcohol during the last month before the data collection day (AOR = 1.83, 95% CI 1.32-2.55, P<0.001), had heard of menstruation (AOR = 1.76, 95% CI 1.27-2.44, P<0.001), and those who had attended activities/classes about sexual reproductive health (AOR = 1.90, 95% CI 1.29-2.78, P<0.01), were significantly associated with period shaming behavior. In conclusion, a single focus on providing biological health education may not be enough to address menstrual stigmatization and taboos. The school curriculum should integrate other life skill education with reproductive health, such as respect and gender equality, to encourage behavioral changes among male students, to address menstrual stigma and to support and empower girls' menstrual health at school and in the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Souphalak Inthaphatha
- Department of Healthcare Administration, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Leyla Isin-Xiong
- Days for Girls International, Luang Prabang City, Luang Prabang Province, Lao People's Democratic Republic
| | - Viengsakhone Louangpradith
- Department of Healthcare and Rehabilitation, Ministry of Health, Vientiane Capital, Lao People's Democratic Republic
| | - Valee Xiong
- Days for Girls International, Luang Prabang City, Luang Prabang Province, Lao People's Democratic Republic
| | - Vue Xaitengcha
- Days for Girls International, Luang Prabang City, Luang Prabang Province, Lao People's Democratic Republic
| | - Alongkone Phengsavanh
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Vientiane Capital, Lao People's Democratic Republic
| | - Kimihiro Nishino
- Department of Healthcare Administration, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Hamajima
- Department of Healthcare Administration, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Eiko Yamamoto
- Department of Healthcare Administration, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
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Parija PP, Sharma N, Salve HR, Kumar R, Yadav K, Mandal S. A qualitative study regarding menstrual hygiene in a rural community of Haryana, India. J Trop Pediatr 2022; 68:6761339. [PMID: 36240495 DOI: 10.1093/tropej/fmac083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adolescent girls face challenges in menstrual hygiene in routine patterns which impacts their education and health. A qualitative study was undertaken to assess the knowledge and practices regarding menstruation in a rural community of Haryana and to identify the barriers to menstrual hygiene. METHODOLOGY The study was conducted in the month of September 2019 among various stakeholders i.e. adolescent females, adolescent males, Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers, Anganwadi workers, school teachers and Medical Officers. The stakeholders were mapped with the help of a Multi-Purpose Health Worker and ASHA of the village. Interview guides for focus group discussion (FGD) and in-depth interview (IDI) were prepared from previous literature to understand menstrual health management among the stakeholders. RESULTS After IDI and FGD, we found that there is a barrier to accessibility of regular sanitary pads, a lack of education on menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls. School absenteeism was a concern due to the unavailability of mechanisms for the disposal of sanitary pads in school and poor maintenance of toilets. CONCLUSION Proper implementation of the Adolescent Reproductive Sexual Health program and Menstrual health education can improve the use and reduce stigma and ignorance. Free uninterrupted supply of sanitary pads through school and Anganwadi will help improving accessibility and separate toilets for girls would lead to a reduction in absenteeism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nitika Sharma
- Community Medicine, Kalpana Chawla Government Medical College, Haryana, India
| | - Harshal R Salve
- Centre for Community Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- Centre for Community Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Kapil Yadav
- Centre for Community Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Suprakash Mandal
- Centre for Community Medicine, old OT Block, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
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Maulingin-Gumbaketi E, Larkins S, Whittaker M, Rembeck G, Gunnarsson R, Redman-MacLaren M. Socio-cultural implications for women's menstrual health in the Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs): a scoping review. Reprod Health 2022; 19:128. [PMID: 35655221 PMCID: PMC9164467 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-022-01398-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, experiences of menarche and subsequent menstruation are embedded in social and cultural beliefs, norms and practices. Menarche is an important developmental milestone in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) for females. Menarche is intertwined with socio-cultural norms, beliefs and practices, which can impact on women's ability to manage menstruation with dignity. This paper reviews the social and cultural factors that affect women's ability to effectively manage their menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) in Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs). METHODS A scoping review was conducted following PRISMA scoping review guidelines and inclusion/exclusion criteria. An online search was conducted for peer-reviewed publications in Medline/OVID; Medline/PubMED; PsycINFO; CINAHL; Scopus and JSTOR, and Google Scholar. A search for grey literature was conducted in Google Scholar and websites of international and local organizations. Experts in the field also contributed additional references. Extracted data were summarised in an Excel spreadsheet. Searches were conducted between May and June, 2019, and then repeated in July, 2020. RESULTS A total of 11 studies were included; 10 qualitative and one mixed methods study. Studies were conducted in Melanesian (n = 9), Polynesian (n = 1) and Micronesian (n = 1) PICTs. All 11 studies reported elements of societal and personal factors; ten studies reported evidence relating to interpersonal factors; nine studies reported elements relating to environmental factors; and two studies presented evidence linked to biological factors. Managing menstrual health with dignity is challenging for many women and girls because menstruation is associated with menstrual taboos and shame. CONCLUSION This review found that the MHH experiences of women in PICTs are affected by social and cultural beliefs, norms and practices. Beliefs, norms and practices about menarche need to be incorporated in SRH planning, programs and education in order to be relevant to diverse village and urban settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah Larkins
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Maxine Whittaker
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Gun Rembeck
- Research, Education, Development & Innovation, Primary Health Care, Alsvsborg Region, Västra Götaland, Sweden
- General Practice/Family Medicine, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
- Regionhälsan Borås Youth Health Center, Vastra Gotaland, Sweden
| | - Ronny Gunnarsson
- Research, Education, Development & Innovation, Primary Health Care, Alsvsborg Region, Västra Götaland, Sweden
- General Practice/Family Medicine, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
- Primary Health Care Clinic for Homeless People, Närhälsan, the Västra Götaland Region, Göteborg, Sweden
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Long JL, Haver J, Mendoza P, Vargas Kotasek SM. The More You Know, the Less You Stress: Menstrual Health Literacy in Schools Reduces Menstruation-Related Stress and Increases Self-Efficacy for Very Young Adolescent Girls in Mexico. Front Glob Womens Health 2022; 3:859797. [PMID: 35496727 PMCID: PMC9047952 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2022.859797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Improving the menstrual health literacy of girls and boys is a key strategy within a holistic framework of Save the Children's school health and comprehensive sexuality education programming. As menstrual health is an emerging area of study and programming, Save the Children continues to learn and adjust its interventions using program evaluations and rigorous monitoring. This paper will examine program-monitoring data from three cohorts, representing 47 public schools in Mexico City, Puebla, and Mérida, Mexico. The study focuses on female students in 5th and 6th grade who participated in We See Equal, a school-based program centered on gender equality and puberty education, between September 2018 and December 2019. This study used a cross-sectional quantitative cohort approach to document changes in girls' experiences and perceptions around managing menstruation in school. The analysis compares girls' knowledge and experiences before and after participation in We See Equal to understand how knowledge changes over the program and how those changes may contribute to menstruation-related school engagement, stress, and self-efficacy (MENSES) outcomes. Multivariate regression models explored relationships between MENSES outcomes, knowledge and socioeconomic status (SES). Overall, results show that the more knowledge girls acquired, the higher their self-efficacy score and the lower their stress score, however, certain MHH knowledge was more predictive of MENSES outcomes and varied by SES. Among girls from lower SES, we observed significant relationships between knowing what their period was prior to menarche and the three MENSES outcomes. Decreases in menstruation-related stress were driven by items related to the practical knowledge of how to dispose of sanitary pads and reduced feelings of nervousness on days they had their period at school. Increases in self-efficacy were primarily driven by girls' confidence in their ability to track their period from month to month, feelings that they could still do well on an exam if they had their period at school, and security that they could ask a friend to lend them a pad if they needed one. Implications for future menstrual health literacy programming and targeting populations for menstrual health education, as well as priorities for future research will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne L. Long
- Department of Education and Child Protection, Save the Children, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Jacquelyn Haver
- Department of Education and Child Protection, Save the Children, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Pamela Mendoza
- Department of Education and Child Protection, Save the Children, Washington, DC, United States
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Asumah MN, Abubakari A, Gariba A. Schools preparedness for menstrual hygiene management: a descriptive cross-sectional study in the West Gonja Municipality, Savannah Region of Ghana. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e056526. [PMID: 35365528 PMCID: PMC8977809 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate schools' preparedness for menstrual hygiene management in the West Gonja Municipality of Ghana. DESIGN This was a cross-sectional study with a mixed-methods approach. SETTING Junior high schools in the West Gonja Municipality. PARTICIPANTS Twenty-six schools were randomly selected, and 13 schoolgirls were purposively chosen for qualitative interviews. ANALYSIS OF DATA The quantitative and qualitative data were analysed using Microsoft Excel and thematic content analysis, respectively. The transcriptions were printed out and read repeatedly to identify similar wordings, phrases, concept and meanings. OUTCOMES Presence of menstrual hygiene facilities in basic schools. RESULTS Majority (69.2%) of the schools were poorly prepared towards menstrual hygiene management. Only 38.5% schools had water, most schools (61.5%) did not have waste bins, 30.8% of the schools had designated places for changing of menstrual materials. No school had menstrual hygiene materials available for emergency use. All participants acknowledged inadequate hygiene facilities in their schools. During menses, adolescent girls often absent themselves from school. Girls tend to be very inactive during their menstrual period for fear of embracement from their male counterparts. The following themes were obtained 'unavailability of hygiene material', 'involvement in class during menses' and 'absence from school'. CONCLUSION Schools in West Gonja Municipality have inadequate menstrual hygiene management facilities that could be a major setback to the health and educational attainment of young girls. The Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources should expand menstrual hygiene and its management to reach the West Gonja Municipality as part of the National Sanitation and Hygiene Strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mubarick Nungbaso Asumah
- Department of Global and International Health, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Northern Region, Ghana
- Kintampo Municipal Hospital, Ghana Health Service, Kintampo, Bono East Region, Ghana
| | - Abdulai Abubakari
- Department of Global and International Health, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Northern Region, Ghana
| | - Ayishetu Gariba
- Students Affairs, C K Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Navrongo, Upper East Region, Ghana
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Gender and Sanitation: Women’s Experiences in Rural Regions and Urban Slums in India. SOCIETIES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/soc12010018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Without adequate sanitation facilities, environmental, social, and health risks are common and worsen as the state of sanitation stagnates. Vulnerable groups, specifically women, are unequally affected by poor sanitation. Attitudes towards and perceptions of gender and menstruation have created a health and social discrepancy between women and men. Women must undergo additional obstacles when practicing proper sanitation and managing menstruation. This article utilizes the sanitation insecurity measure to assess the lived experience of women in rural and urban India. This article also discusses accounts of women’s experiences managing menstruation in both the rural regions and urban slums of India and discusses the social implications of the state of sanitation. Examining the issue of sanitation by focusing on menstruation and the dichotomy of men’s and women’s experiences with sanitation and hygiene will indicate that achieving gender equity requires sanitation to be viewed as a human rights, social justice, and education issue.
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Olson MM, Alhelou N, Kavattur PS, Rountree L, Winkler IT. The persistent power of stigma: A critical review of policy initiatives to break the menstrual silence and advance menstrual literacy. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000070. [PMID: 36962272 PMCID: PMC10021325 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Menstruation is shrouded in stigma and shame-that is the common refrain in burgeoning initiatives on menstrual health and hygiene. Public policies alone cannot undo stigma and enact social change, but they do interact with social norms. They can reflect and adopt stigmatizing attitudes and, as a result, institutionalize, formalize, and legitimize stigma; or they can actively challenge and denounce it and mitigate existing discrimination. Against this background, we explored whether and how policies on menstrual health and hygiene address menstrual stigma and advance menstrual literacy based on an analysis of 34 policy documents and 85 in-depth interviews with policy-makers and advocates in four countries: India, Kenya, Senegal, and the United States. We found that policies recognized menstrual stigma and set out to break the silence surrounding menstruation and advance menstrual education, but they did not contribute to dismantling menstrual stigma. Policy-makers seemed constrained by the very stigma they sought to tackle, resulting in hesitancy and missed opportunities. Policies raised awareness of menstruation, often with great noise, but they simultaneously called for hiding and concealing any actual, visible signs of menstruation and its embodied messiness. Educational initiatives mostly promoted bodily management and control, rather than agency and autonomy. As a result, policies might have succeeded in breaking the silence around menstruation, but stigma cannot be broken as easily. We first need to recognize its (invisible) power and its impacts in all spheres of life in order to actively challenge, dismantle, and redefine it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary M Olson
- Institute for the Study of Human Rights, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Nay Alhelou
- Institute for the Study of Human Rights, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Purvaja S Kavattur
- Institute for the Study of Human Rights, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Lillian Rountree
- Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Inga T Winkler
- Institute for the Study of Human Rights, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Legal Studies, Central European University, Vienna, Austria
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11
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Babbar K, Martin J, Ruiz J, Parray AA, Sommer M. Menstrual health is a public health and human rights issue. LANCET PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 7:e10-e11. [PMID: 34717798 PMCID: PMC8552814 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-2667(21)00212-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Karan Babbar
- Ravi J Matthai Centre for Educational Innovation, Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380015, India; Pandemic Periods, Glasgow, UK.
| | | | | | - Ateeb Ahmad Parray
- Pandemic Periods, Glasgow, UK; Center of Excellence for Gender, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, James P Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Marni Sommer
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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12
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Garg S, Singh MM, Basu S, Bhatnagar N, Dabi Y, Azmi F, Bala I, Marimuthu Y, Borle A. Perceptions of Frontline Workers, Female Health Workers, and School Teachers in Menstrual Hygiene Promotion among Adolescent Girls of Delhi, India: A Qualitative Study. Indian J Community Med 2021; 46:201-205. [PMID: 34321726 PMCID: PMC8281854 DOI: 10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_137_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Government schemes for the promotion of Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) among adolescent girls in India are underpinned by crucial implementation efforts from the frontline health workers, community health workers, and school teachers. Aim: The aim of the study is to identify the perspectives on menstrual health and hygiene management with regard to government schemes for sanitary pad distribution to adolescent girls among the frontline workers and the government school teachers located in urban resettlement colonies in Delhi. Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with 30 accredited social health activisits, 30 Anganwadi Workers (AWW), and 30 auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs) and five focus group discussions among 28 government school teachers from the middle, high, and secondary standard. Results: Most participants recognized the phenomenon of menstruation-related problems in adolescent girls and were aware of some of the common sociocultural, religious, and hygiene-related menstrual restrictions prevalent in their communities. All the participants believed that the pad distribution scheme was highly beneficial. However, in spite of inclusion of menstrual health promotion in the school curriculum, teachers often lacked self-efficacy in discussing challenges and health concerns related to MHM with their students. Conclusions: Despite their potential as community resources for adolescent girls, FHWs, ANMs, and school teachers often fail to impart crucial menstrual hygiene information and skills-building needed toward achieving effective, safe, and optimal MHM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suneela Garg
- Department of Community Medicine, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Saurav Basu
- Department of Community Medicine, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India
| | - Nidhi Bhatnagar
- Department of Community Medicine, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India
| | - Yomri Dabi
- Department of Community Medicine, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India
| | - Falak Azmi
- Department of Community Medicine, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India
| | - Indu Bala
- Department of Community Medicine, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India
| | - Yamini Marimuthu
- Department of Community Medicine, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India
| | - Amod Borle
- Department of Community Medicine, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India
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13
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Hennegan J, Winkler IT, Bobel C, Keiser D, Hampton J, Larsson G, Chandra-Mouli V, Plesons M, Mahon T. Menstrual health: a definition for policy, practice, and research. Sex Reprod Health Matters 2021; 29:1911618. [PMID: 33910492 PMCID: PMC8098749 DOI: 10.1080/26410397.2021.1911618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The term “menstrual health” has seen increased use across advocacy, programming, policy, and research, but has lacked a consistent, self-contained definition. As a rapidly growing field of research and practice a comprehensive definition is needed to (1) ensure menstrual health is prioritised as a unified objective in global health, development, national policy, and funding frameworks, (2) elucidate the breadth of menstrual health, even where different needs may be prioritised in different sectors, and (3) facilitate a shared vocabulary through which stakeholders can communicate across silos to share learning. To achieve these aims, we present a definition of menstrual health developed by the Terminology Action Group of the Global Menstrual Collective. We describe the definition development process, drawing on existing research and terminology, related definitions of health, and consultation with a broad set of stakeholders. Further, we provide elaboration, based on current evidence, to support interpretation of the definition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Hennegan
- Research Fellow, Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Adjunct Research Associate, Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Inga T Winkler
- Lecturer in Human Rights, Institute for the Study of Human Rights, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chris Bobel
- Professor, Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, College of Liberal Arts, Department of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Danielle Keiser
- Founder & Executive Director, Menstrual Health Hub / MH Hub, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Gerda Larsson
- Co-Founder and Managing Director, The Case for Her, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Venkatraman Chandra-Mouli
- Scientist, UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Marina Plesons
- Consultant, UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Thérèse Mahon
- Regional Programme Manager South Asia, WaterAid, London, UK
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14
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McCammon E, Bansal S, Hebert LE, Yan S, Menendez A, Gilliam M. Exploring young women's menstruation-related challenges in Uttar Pradesh, India, using the socio-ecological framework. Sex Reprod Health Matters 2020; 28:1749342. [PMID: 32308152 PMCID: PMC7175471 DOI: 10.1080/26410397.2020.1749342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Menstruation frequently poses psychological, social, and health challenges for young women living in low- and middle-income countries. In countries such as India, where menstruation is stigmatised, it can be particularly difficult. This paper examines challenges related to menstruation for young women living in slums in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. The research was informed by the socio-ecological model. Life course interviews were conducted with 70 young women ages 15-24 living in the slums of Lucknow. Thematic analysis was used to identify salient themes regarding individual, social, and systemic challenges related to menstruation. On the individual level, young women lack knowledge about menstruation. In the social sphere, young women experience stigma around menstruation, lack opportunities to discuss menstruation, and experience limitations around mobility and other activities during menstruation. At the institutional level, for example in school, there are few resources to support menstruating young women as toilets are dirty and doors are broken. Therefore, menstruating adolescents and young women in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, face an array of challenges at multiple levels. These findings suggest that multi-level interventions are warranted to create a supportive context for menstruation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen McCammon
- Research Specialist, Center for Interdisciplinary Inquiry and Innovation in Sexual and Reproductive Health at the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Suchi Bansal
- Research Specialist, Center for Interdisciplinary Inquiry and Innovation in Sexual and Reproductive Health at the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Luciana E. Hebert
- Research Specialist, Center for Interdisciplinary Inquiry and Innovation in Sexual and Reproductive Health at the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Shirley Yan
- Research Specialist, Center for Interdisciplinary Inquiry and Innovation in Sexual and Reproductive Health at the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Alicia Menendez
- Research Associate, Harris School of Public Policy, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Melissa Gilliam
- Ellen H. Block Professor of Health Justice, Center for Interdisciplinary Inquiry and Innovation in Sexual and Reproductive Health at the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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15
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Period teasing, stigma and knowledge: A survey of adolescent boys and girls in Northern Tanzania. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0239914. [PMID: 33112868 PMCID: PMC7592731 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that menstruation-related teasing is a common experience among adolescent girls with ramifications on their school participation, yet empirical evidence on the prevalence and determinants of period teasing in schools remain scarce. Menstrual hygiene research and policies almost exclusively focus on girls and women, leading to a dearth of knowledge of male attitudes. We conducted the first quantitative survey of period teasing in schools in sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on 432 male and 524 female students in four co-educational secondary schools in northern Tanzania. Period teasing is prevalent; 13% of girls have experienced period teasing, and more than 80% fear being teased, especially by male classmates. Girls’ fears are associated with insufficient menstrual hygiene management resources and practices. Girls cope by reducing school attendance, participation, and concentration in the classroom during periods. Boys engage in period teasing because they perceive periods as embarrassing, especially visible markers of periods (odor or stains). Social norms, such as peer behavior and home restrictions on menstruating women, are associated with more teasing. Boys believe it is strongly inappropriate for girls to reveal period status or to discuss periods with males, including male teachers. In contrast, boys are well informed about basic biological facts of menstruation (scoring 60% on a knowledge quiz, not statistically different from the girls) and have received information from school curricula and health workers. Lack of suitable menstrual hygiene practices and restrictive social norms is correlated with period teasing, which hinders gender equality in educational opportunities. Providing narrowly bio-medical focused education about menstruation may not be enough to reduce period teasing in contexts with period stigma.
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16
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Mohammed S, Larsen-Reindorf RE. Menstrual knowledge, sociocultural restrictions, and barriers to menstrual hygiene management in Ghana: Evidence from a multi-method survey among adolescent schoolgirls and schoolboys. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0241106. [PMID: 33091080 PMCID: PMC7580927 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
On a daily basis, schoolgirls in low and middle-income countries discover blood on their clothing for the first time in school environments without toilets, water, or a supportive teacher, mentor, or role model to help them understand the changes happening in their bodies. This study aimed to examine the menstrual knowledge, sociocultural restrictions, and barriers to menstrual hygiene management in school environment among adolescent schoolgirls in a rural community. We collected quantitative data from 250 adolescent schoolgirls and qualitative data from thirty schoolboys and five schoolteachers in five Junior High Schools in the Kumbungu district of northern Ghana. Binary logistic regression models were fitted to determine the predictors of poor menstrual knowledge. Qualitative data were transcribed verbatim, coded, and organized into themes. Overall, 53.6% of the girls had poor knowledge about menstruation. Most of the boys had heard about menstruation and had an idea about what menstruation is with most of them describing it as "the flow of blood through the vagina of a female." The boys revealed that terms such as "Vodafone," "Red card," and "Palm oil" are used to describe menstruation in the schools and within the community. After adjusting for the effect of other sociodemographic factors, we found evidence that girls in their late adolescents were less likely to have poor menstrual knowledge compared to those aged 10-14 years (aOR 0.20, 95%CI 0.08-0.48). Maternal education was protective against poor menstrual knowledge. When compared to adolescents whose mothers were illiterates, those whose mothers had basic education (aOR 0.62, 95%CI 0.28-1.40) and those whose mothers had secondary or higher education (AOR 0.22, 95%CI 0.06-0.76) were less likely to have poor knowledge about menstruation. Adolescents from homes with no television and radio sets were more likely to have poor menstrual knowledge compared to those from homes with television and radio sets (aOR 2.42, 95%CI 1.41-4.15). Comfort, safety, and cost were the major factors that influenced their choice of sanitary products. Most of the teachers said the schools do not provide students with sanitary products, even in emergencies. We found that girls were not to prepare some local dishes (e.g. Wasawasa) during their periods and are forbidden from participating in religious activities (i.e. read the Holy Quran or pray in the mosque) during the period of menstruation. Open discussions about menstruation and its management are not encouraged and girls are considered unclean and impure during the period of menstruation. None of the schools had a regular supply of water in WASH facilities, a mirror for girls to check their uniforms for bloodstains or soap in the toilet facilities for handwashing. Menstrual education through the standard school curriculum, starting from primary school, could prepare girls for menarche, improve their knowledge on menstruation, and teach boys how to support girls and women during the period of menstruation. This could also eliminate the sociocultural misconceptions surrounding menstruation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shamsudeen Mohammed
- Department of Population, Family & Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- College of Nursing & Midwifery, Population and Reproductive Health Resident, Nalerigu, Ghana
| | - Roderick Emil Larsen-Reindorf
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, School of Medical Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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17
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Sharma S, Mehra D, Brusselaers N, Mehra S. Menstrual Hygiene Preparedness Among Schools in India: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of System-and Policy-Level Actions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E647. [PMID: 31963862 PMCID: PMC7013590 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17020647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 01/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
With increasing girl's enrolment in schools, school preparedness to ensure a menstrual friendly environment is crucial. The study aimed to conduct a systematic review regarding the existing evidence on menstrual hygiene management (MHM) across schools in India. It further aimed to highlight the actions that have been taken by the government to improve the MHM situation in India. We conducted the systematic literature search using PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science for searching the peer-reviewed articles and Google Scholar for anecdotal reports published from inception until 30 October 2019. Of 1125 publications retrieved through the search, 183 papers were included in this review, using a priori created data-extraction form. Meta-analysis was used to estimate the pooled prevalence (PP) of MHM practices in schools. Less than half of the girls were aware of menstruation before menarche (PP 0.45, 0.39 to 0.51, I2= 100.0%, n = 122). Teachers were a less common source of information about menstruation to girls (PP 0.07, 0.05 to 0.08, I2 = 100.0%, n = 86). Separate toilets for girls were present in around half of the schools (PP 0.56, 0.42 to 0.75, I2 100.0%, n = 11). MHM in schools should be strengthened with convergence between various departments for explicit implementation of guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shantanu Sharma
- Researcher, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, 22100 Lund, Sweden
- MAMTA Health Institute for Mother and Child, Delhi 110048, India;
| | - Devika Mehra
- Public Health Consultant, Medeon Science Park, 21432 Malmö, Sweden;
| | - Nele Brusselaers
- Centre for Translational Microbiome Research, Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell biology, Karolinska Institute, SciLifeLab, 17177 Stockholm (Solna), Sweden;
| | - Sunil Mehra
- MAMTA Health Institute for Mother and Child, Delhi 110048, India;
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18
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Gundi M, Subramanyam MA. Menstrual health communication among Indian adolescents: A mixed-methods study. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0223923. [PMID: 31622407 PMCID: PMC6797238 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0223923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research in health communication frequently views it as an information dissemination strategy, thus neglecting the intricacies involved in communicating a sensitive topic such as menstruation. The social patterning in menstrual communication, a taboo in India, and its consequent health-effects on adolescents are under-studied. METHODS We studied the social determinants of menstrual communication influencing menstrual- health through semi-structured interviews of 21 boys and girls each, 12 key-respondent interviews, followed by a cross-sectional survey of 1421 adolescents from Nashik district, India. We thematically analysed the qualitative data and fit multivariable logistic regression to model risk ratios. FINDINGS We found social disparities in adolescents' experiences of communication taboo regarding menstruation. While boys curbed their curiosity about the topic, girls too faced resistance to their experience-sharing and treatment-seeking for menstrual illnesses. The inequality in menstruation-related communication was evident as more boys than girls faced avoidance to their questions [IRR at 95%CI: 2.75 (2.04, 3.71)]], and fewer tribal than rural girls were communicated severe taboos (OR at 95% CI: 0.18 (0.09, 0.36))]. Girls who had been communicated severe (versus no/mild) taboos reported greater stress about menstrual staining (IRR at 95% CI: 1.31 (1.10, 1.57)], emphasizing the health consequences of such communication inequalities. CONCLUSIONS Our study highlights the need to address gender and setting-specific communication experiences of adolescents in India, a patriarchal society. The inequality in communication needs attention as it creates unequal patterns in Indian adolescents' menstrual health and experiences, which may manifest as inequities in reproductive health-related outcomes even in their adult-lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukta Gundi
- Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
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Shah V, Nabwera HM, Sosseh F, Jallow Y, Comma E, Keita O, Torondel B. A rite of passage: a mixed methodology study about knowledge, perceptions and practices of menstrual hygiene management in rural Gambia. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:277. [PMID: 30845945 PMCID: PMC6407285 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-6599-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Appropriate menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is impeded by taboos and secrecy surrounding menstruation. Unhygienic menstrual practices and unpreparedness for managing menstruation has been associated with adverse health and social outcomes among adolescent girls. In The Gambia, there is limited data on menstrual practices among girls and women in rural communities and the sources of information about menstruation for the adolescents. This study aimed to explore knowledge, preparedness and practices of menstruation and its management among adolescents, mothers and teachers in rural Gambia. METHODS A mixed methods study was conducted in the rural Kiang West district of The Gambia. Twenty focus group discussions and thirteen in-depth interviews were conducted among mothers, adolescents and teachers to explore their views on menstruation, cultural beliefs, sources and level of knowledge on menstruation and MHM practices. In addition, a survey was done among 331 school girls to assess their knowledge, practices and attitudes of menstruation and its management. Inductive content analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data, and descriptive analysis and chi-squared tests were used to analyse quantitative data. RESULTS All participants had different levels of knowledge about menstruation. Knowledge score was higher among post-menarche girls compare with pre-menarche girls (p = 0.0001). All groups expressed difficulties, embarrassment and shame in relation to discussing menstruation. Two thirds of the surveyed girls reported having learnt about menstruation before menarche, however at menarche most felt unprepared. Teachers were the main source of information, but when asking for advice most girls preferred to ask their mothers. Mothers reported facing difficulties in discussing menstruation with their children and felt that boys did not need to be taught about it, however boys were very curious to know about. Most girls used reusable cloth unless they are given free pads from school. CONCLUSION Taboos, secrecy and embarrassment associated with discussing menstruation hinder adolescents from seeking advice from parents and teachers on appropriate MHM practices. Strategies to encourage positive social norms towards menstruation would help to promote more open discussions about it at the family, community and national level, which will support improvements in MHM in this and similar communities in low and middle income settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishna Shah
- Environmental Health Group, Department of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, WC1E 7HT, London, UK
- Nutrition Theme, MRCG Keneba, Medical Research Council Unit, The Gambia, P.O.Box 273, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Helen M. Nabwera
- Environmental Health Group, Department of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, WC1E 7HT, London, UK
- Centre for Maternal and Newborn Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA UK
| | - Fatou Sosseh
- Nutrition Theme, MRCG Keneba, Medical Research Council Unit, The Gambia, P.O.Box 273, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Yamundao Jallow
- Nutrition Theme, MRCG Keneba, Medical Research Council Unit, The Gambia, P.O.Box 273, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Ebrima Comma
- Nutrition Theme, MRCG Keneba, Medical Research Council Unit, The Gambia, P.O.Box 273, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Omar Keita
- Regional Education Directorate Four, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mansakonko, Lower River Region, The Gambia
| | - Belen Torondel
- Environmental Health Group, Department of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, WC1E 7HT, London, UK
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20
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Alexander KT, Zulaika G, Nyothach E, Oduor C, Mason L, Obor D, Eleveld A, Laserson KF, Phillips-Howard PA. Do Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Conditions in Primary Schools Consistently Support Schoolgirls' Menstrual Needs? A Longitudinal Study in Rural Western Kenya. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15081682. [PMID: 30087298 PMCID: PMC6121484 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15081682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Many females lack access to water, privacy and basic sanitation—felt acutely when menstruating. Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) conditions in schools, such as access to latrines, water, and soap, are essential for the comfort, equity, and dignity of menstruating girls. Our study was nested within a cluster randomized controlled pilot feasibility study where nurses provided menstrual items to schoolgirls. We observed the WASH conditions of 30 schools from June 2012–October 2013 to see if there were any changes in conditions, to compare differences between study arms and to examine agreement between observed and teacher-reported conditions. Data came from study staff observed, and school teacher reported, WASH conditions. We developed scores for the condition of school facilities to report any changes in conditions and compare outcomes across study arms. Results demonstrated that soap availability for students increased significantly between baseline and follow-up while there was a significant decrease in the number of “acceptable” latrines. During the study follow-up period, individual WASH indicators supporting menstruating girls, such as locks on latrine doors or water availability in latrines did not significantly improve. Advances in WASH conditions for all students, and menstrual hygiene facilities for schoolgirls, needs further support, a defined budget, and regular monitoring of WASH facilities to maintain standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly T Alexander
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L35QA, UK.
- Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere (CARE), 151 Ellis St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA.
| | - Garazi Zulaika
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L35QA, UK.
| | | | - Clifford Oduor
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu 1578-40100, Kenya.
| | - Linda Mason
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L35QA, UK.
| | - David Obor
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu 1578-40100, Kenya.
| | - Alie Eleveld
- Safe Water and AIDS Programme, Kisumu 3323-40100, Kenya.
| | - Kayla F Laserson
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu 1578-40100, Kenya.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA.
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