Period poverty: The perceptions and experiences of impoverished women living in an inner-city area of Northwest England

PLoS ONE, Год журнала: 2022, Номер 17(7), С. e0269341 - e0269341

Опубликована: Июль 14, 2022

Background The menstrual needs of girls and women are important to health, education, well-being. Unmet need harm from poor health in low-and- middle-income countries have been documented, but with little empirical research undertaken high income countries. Continuing austerity the UK suggests menstruators likely more vulnerable ‘period poverty’ than previously, COVID-19 pandemic assumed exacerbate situation. Aim To explore experiences perceptions who living under circumstances deprivation, alongside views staff working organisations supporting these women, understand whether women’s met. Methods A qualitative study was conducted an inner-city NW England. Three focus group discussions 14 in-depth interviews were across three sites impoverished women. Data analysed thematically. Results Themes were: reflections on menstruation; affordability products; access public facilities; organisational support; potential solutions. Many perceived menstruation as a burden aspects: physical discomfort pain; psychological anxiety; shame stigma. Managing difficult due cost relative low incomes, food, heating lighting prioritised, leaving improvising materials or wearing products for longer desired. Most suggested that should be free, often remarking if men required similar items this would happen. unaware provided free products. Staff felt small range offered did not meet client ill-prepared conversations clients’ needs. Conclusion Impoverished lack necessary resources manage their menses well which negatively impacts brings stress, embarrassment, shame. Support, including products, is needed at both local national level help hygiene.

Язык: Английский

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Infection with SARS-CoV-2 is associated with menstrual irregularities among women of reproductive age

PLoS ONE, Год журнала: 2022, Номер 17(10), С. e0276131 - e0276131

Опубликована: Окт. 26, 2022

Background Biological and psychological mechanisms may be responsible for menstrual irregularities occurring among women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Study design From January 2019 to September 2021, (18- 45-years-old not using hormonal contraception) were recruited in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Cross-sectional, self-report surveys collected data on irregularities, vaccination, stress, depression, loneliness. A EUA approved rapid test assay whole blood measured SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies. Chi-square Fisher’s exact tests described before versus after start of pandemic with detectable undetectable logistic regression examined relationship between presence antibodies controlling age, Results Among 182 enrolled, 73 enrolled onset, 36 provided vaccination data. Having was associated a higher percentage unvaccinated (0% vs. 39%, p = .026) all regardless status (31% 5%; .005). Adjusting age variables, odds 7.03 times (95% CI [1.39, 35.60]; .019) compared without Neither enrollment date, nor factors irregularities. Conclusions related infection irregular menstruation should further mitigate impact women’s health.

Язык: Английский

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COVID-19 made it harder to access period products: The effects of a pandemic on period poverty

Frontiers in Reproductive Health, Год журнала: 2022, Номер 4

Опубликована: Ноя. 10, 2022

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, a few studies started highlight extent of period poverty in U.S., especially among low-income women and girls. Preliminary data documenting effects subsequent economic downturn, closure schools businesses on menstrual hygiene management are now emerging.This study explores relationship between pandemic nationally representative sample U.S. adults.Cross-sectional, secondary analyses 2021 nationwide, self-administered, online panel survey used weighted logistic regressions assess making it more difficult access products missing work due lack products. Responses from 1,037 menstruating individuals age 18-49 were included.Overall, 30% indicated made products, 29% struggled purchase past year, 18% missed Those who identified as Hispanic (aOR 2.06 95% CI 1.29-3.29) had children under 18 15.3 1.03-2.26) likely indicate that harder Subsequently, those supplies report 12 months 4.32 4.69-6.94).The exacerbated poverty, struggle with accessibility affordability Future response planning should consider basic need for vulnerable households. In addition, policies increase all help reduce menstruation-related absenteeism work.

Язык: Английский

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Period Poverty and Barriers to Menstrual Health Equity in U.S. Menstruating College Students: A Scoping Review

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 22(4), С. 619 - 619

Опубликована: Апрель 16, 2025

Objectives: This scoping review aims to fill research gaps by exploring four guiding questions. First, we aim understand the major barriers encountered U.S. menstruating college students in accessing menstrual health products at their educational institutions, households, and community. Second, identify social determinants of (SDoH) that significantly influence contribute inequities experienced students. Third, explore measurement tools have been used assess Lastly, determine lessons learned recommendations improve overall outcomes Study Design: followed Arksey O’Malley framework (2005) incorporated from Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) for extraction, analysis, presentation results. Methods: The databases searched were PubMed, Embase (Ovid), Web Science, Cochrane Library (Medline). Included articles (1) published between 2000 2023, (2) focused on United States, (3) addressed health, equity, period poverty campuses U.S., and/or (4) explored challenges products. Results: A total seven studies retained assessment. most frequently cited Healthy People 2030 categories economic stability (n = 5) community context 5). most-cited sorted into “Financial Constraints Accessibility” 13) theme category. Conclusions: Our study highlights practical applications several future design, adoption, implementation, evaluation effective evidence-based interventions address subsequent imposed specific SDoH. More is needed further implications mental, physical, socioeconomic individuals, particularly young adults experiencing different as they venture build careers.

Язык: Английский

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Accessibility gaps in menstrual products: An environmental scan of access programs in Canada

The Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 34(1), С. 75 - 82

Опубликована: Апрель 1, 2025

Globally, people who menstruate do not have equitable access to menstrual products. Menstrual hygiene and products are important for mental, emotional, physical health. While past research shows that there is inequity on a global level, less known about specifically in Canada. In the present study, authors conducted bilingual (English French) online environmental scan determine extent which Canada they need. Specifically, examined programs organizations distribute and/or support The found many targeted school-aged youth. By contrast, few initiatives focused workplace, were fewer rural small communities compared with large urban populations. results highlight gaps program type locale could be used improve equity.

Язык: Английский

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Period poverty in the United States of America: a socio-economic policy analysis

Journal of Global Health Economics and Policy, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 5

Опубликована: Май 17, 2025

Background Period poverty is a persistent yet under-recognised public health and policy issue affecting both developed developing nations. In the United States, it continues to pose serious challenge, particularly for women facing financial hardship. An estimated two in five menstruating individuals U.S. struggle afford menstrual supplies, often resorting unsafe or unhygienic alternatives. This not only compromises dignity but also reflects broader systemic inequities. Government actors at local, state, federal levels have critical role play addressing this problem. study examines extent which period functions as socioeconomic States. Methods Using content analysis approach within an ethnographic research design, draws on secondary data sources guided by Social Construction of Target Populations theory interpret findings. Results The findings reveal that disproportionately impacts low-income women, driven intersecting economic, social, cultural, political barriers. Despite its widespread impact, there remains notable lack commitment among stakeholders meaningfully address issue. Conclusions To mitigate social consequences poverty, offers recommendations aimed mobilising fostering stronger engagement ensure equitable access products.

Язык: Английский

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Period Product Resources and Needs in Schools: A Statewide Survey of Missouri's School Nurses

Journal of School Health, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 93(7), С. 557 - 564

Опубликована: Март 9, 2023

Abstract Background School nurses play a vital role in ensuring the health and well‐being of their students, but little is known about menstrual products resources available schools. This study assessed period product needs Missouri schools from perspective school analyzed differences by district enrollment characteristics. Methods An electronic survey was emailed to public, charter, private, parochial who served fourth grade or older. From January through March 2022, 976 self‐administered surveys were completed (40% response rate). Logistic regressions examined associations between student Results Among sample, 70.7% knew students could not afford products, 68.0% had missed because period. When controlling for size, race/ethnicity, urban/rural classification, as percentage free‐ reduced‐lunch (FRL) eligibility increases school, awareness struggling (AOR = 1.008, 95% confidence interval 1.000, 1.015). Implications Health Policy, Practice, Equity need educational materials support help reduce menstruation‐related absences. Conclusions Issues poverty cut across districts differing characteristics, yet FRL an important predictor.

Язык: Английский

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“I stretch them out as long as possible:” U.S. women’s experiences of menstrual product insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic

BMC Women s Health, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 23(1)

Опубликована: Апрель 14, 2023

A growing body of evidence highlights how the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated gender inequalities in US. This resulted women being more vulnerable to economic insecurity and decreases their overall well-being. One relevant issue that been less explored is women's menstrual health experiences, including inconsistent access products may negatively impact daily lives.This qualitative study, conducted from March through May 2021, utilized in-depth interviews were nested within a national prospective cohort study. The (n = 25) with sub-sample cis-gender living across US who had reported challenges accessing during first year pandemic. sought understand barriers contributed experiencing product insecurity, related coping mechanisms. Malterud's 'systematic text condensation', an inductive thematic analysis method, was analyze transcripts.Respondents came 17 different states U.S. Three key themes identified: financial physical existed consistent access; range strategies response dependence on makeshift poorer quality materials; heightened experiences menstrual-related anxiety shame, especially regarding disclosure menstruating status others as result inadequate leak protection.Addressing critical step for ensuring all people menstruate can attain most basic needs. Key recommendations mitigating require state-level policy reform, such inclusion existing safety net needs programs, reframing essential items. Improved education advocacy are needed combat stigma.

Язык: Английский

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Research priorities for improving menstrual health across the life-course in low- and middle-income countries

Global Health Action, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 16(1)

Опубликована: Ноя. 27, 2023

Background Research on menstrual health is required to understand needs and generate solutions improve health, wellbeing, productivity. The identification of research priorities will help inform where invest efforts resources.

Язык: Английский

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Menstrual characteristics and associations with sociodemographic factors and self-rated health in Spain: a cross-sectional study

BMC Women s Health, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 24(1)

Опубликована: Фев. 3, 2024

Abstract Background Evidence on how menstrual characteristics may differ based socioeconomic factors and self-rated health is significantly scarce. The main aim of this study was to investigate the associations between characteristics, sociodemographic among women people who menstruate (PWM) aged 18–55 in Spain. Methods This cross-sectional includes data from an online survey collected March–July 2021 across Descriptive statistical analyses multivariate logistic regression models were performed. Results included a total 19,358 PWM. Mean age at menarche 12.4 (SD = 1.5). While 20.3% our participants experienced abundance over 80 ml, 64.1% reported having blood clots; 6.4% menstruated for longer than 7 days. 17.0% had cycles that shorter 21 days or 35 Reports moderate (46.3%) high (22.7%) intensity pain common. 68.2% premenstrual symptoms all most cycles. odds lighter flow, bleeding higher as increased, amongst with less educational attainment. Caregivers presented abundant flow menstruations. Reporting financial constraints poorer risk clots, shorter/longer menstruations cycles, symptoms, intense pain. Conclusions suggests age, attainment, caregiving, experiencing hardship shape mediate characteristics. It thus highlights need address social inequities research.

Язык: Английский

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