Menstrual Health and Hygiene among Adolescents in the United States
Author Department
Ob/Gyn
Document Type
Article, Peer-reviewed
Publication Date
1-2022
Abstract
Study objective: Menstrual health in adolescents has been understudied in the U.S. We aimed to assess patient and provider perspectives surrounding menstrual health management and screening.
Design: Our mixed-methods approach consisted of provider surveys, patient surveys, and patient interviews.
Setting: Participants were recruited from a pediatric gynecology practice or an adolescent medicine clinic at an urban tertiary academic center.
Participants: Providers were pediatrics faculty or residents. Patients aged 13-24 years were eligible.
Intervention: Participants completed an anonymous survey or semi-structured interview about their experiences with menstrual health.
Main outcome measures: Descriptive statistics and thematic content analysis were used for quantitative and qualitative data respectively. Convergent parallel analysis elucidated key findings in both datasets.
Results: The provider survey response rate was 65% (69/106); 15% (9/69) of providers consistently asked patients about menstrual products; while 44% (27/68) were concerned patients could not afford products. The patient survey response rate was 85% (101/119); 19% (19/101) of respondents reported menstrual hygiene insecurity; 55% (55/101) missed commitments during menses; 45% (45/101) discussed menstrual products with providers. Fifteen patients were invited for qualitative interviews; 10 were conducted and thematic saturation occurred. Interviews highlighted the importance of comprehensive early menstrual health education and providers' role in menstrual management.
Conclusion: Adolescence is a crucial point of entry into healthcare. Because taboos surrounding menstruation may limit access to healthcare, menstrual health education must be emphasized. Menstrual health education is provided piecemeal by parents, schools, and providers. Current practice should be reevaluated to consider comprehensive educational approaches where healthcare leads.
Keywords: Adolescence; Menstrual Health; Menstrual education.
Recommended Citation
Trant AA, Vash-Margita A, Camenga D, Braverman P, Wagner D, Espinal M, Kisanga EP, Lundsberg L, Sheth SS, Fan L. Menstrual Health and Hygiene among Adolescents in the United States. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2022 Jan 6:S1083-3188(21)00363-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jpag.2021.12.014. Epub ahead of print.
PMID
34999229