scholarly journals Does India’s Menstrual Hygiene Management Scheme exclude the disabled?

2021 ◽  
pp. 01-04
Author(s):  
Daisy Dutta ◽  
Chhanda Chakraborti
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Disparities ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Right To Health ◽  
Public Health Ethics ◽  
Menstrual Hygiene ◽  
Menstrual Hygiene Management ◽  
Management Scheme ◽  
The Disabled ◽  
The Government

The Menstrual Hygiene Scheme of the Government of India wishes to generate awareness among adolescent girls, and provide them with hygienic and affordable sanitary napkins. The scheme has been criticised for many reasons by various reviewers. However, we draw attention to a hitherto unaddressed gap that the scheme has effectively overlooked, the menstrual hygiene needs of disabled adolescent girls, and has thereby denied them their right to health and healthcare. This exacerbates health disparities, and raises questions of public health ethics. We conclude with recommendations on how to redress the situation and make the scheme more inclusive.

scholarly journals Qualitative study exploring the barriers to menstrual hygiene management faced by adolescents and young people with a disability, and their carers in the Kavrepalanchok district, Nepal

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane Wilbur ◽  
Shubha Kayastha ◽  
Thérèse Mahon ◽  
Belen Torondel ◽  
Shaffa Hameed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
People With Disabilities ◽  
Menstrual Hygiene ◽  
Left Behind ◽  
Menstrual Hygiene Management ◽  
Hygiene Management ◽  
Purposeful Sampling ◽  
Educational Issue ◽  
Support Mechanisms ◽  
Depth Interviews

Abstract Background Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is a recognised public health, social and educational issue, which must be achieved to allow the realisation of human rights. People with disabilities are likely to experience layers of discrimination when they are menstruating, but little evidence exists. Methods The study aims to investigate barriers to MHM that people with disabilities and their carers face in the Kavrepalanchok, Nepal, using qualitative methods. Twenty people with disabilities, aged 15–24, who menstruate and experience ‘a lot of difficulty’ or more across one or more of the Washington Group functional domains were included, as well as 13 carers who provide menstrual support to these individuals. Purposeful sampling was applied to select participants. Different approaches were used to investigating barriers to MHM and triangulate data: in-depth interviews, observation, PhotoVoice and ranking. We analysed data thematically, using Nvivo 11. Results Barriers to MHM experienced by people with disabilities differ according to the impairment. Inaccessible WASH facilities were a major challenge for people with mobility, self-care and visual impairments. People with intellectual impairments had difficulty accessing MHM information and their carers despaired when they showed their menstrual blood to others, which could result in abuse. No support mechanisms existed for carers for MHM, and they felt overwhelmed and isolated. Menstrual discomfort was a major challenge; these were managed with home remedies, or not at all. Most participants followed menstrual restrictions, which were widespread and expected; many feared they would be cursed if they did not. As disability is often viewed as a curse, this demonstrates the layers of discrimination faced. Conclusion Issues related to MHM for people with disabilities is more complex than for others in the population due to the additional disability discrimination and impairment experienced. Research exploring these issues must be conducted in different settings, and MHM interventions, tailored for impairment type and carers requirements,should be developed. Attention to, and resourcing for disability inclusive MHM must be prioritised to ensure ‘no one is left behind’.

Menstrual Hygiene Management Practices for Adolescent Girls among Public Secondary Schools in Kibondo District, Tanzania

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (Issue 3) ◽  
pp. 107-115
Author(s):  
Renata Magayane ◽  
Jackson Meremo
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Schools ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Management Practice ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Menstrual Hygiene ◽  
Menstrual Hygiene Management ◽  
Hygiene Management

The study aimed at examining menstrual hygiene management practices among adolescent girls in public secondary schools in Kibondo District. The study used the mixed research approach with the convergent parallel design. The study was comprised of the sample size of 99 respondents from four out of 17 schools, including ten parents, 12 female teachers, 68 students, 4 matrons, 4 Heads of schools and 1 District Education Officer. Data collection was done through semi-structured interview, focus group discussion and questionnaire. Qualitative data analysis was done through content analysis while quantitative data were analyzed descriptively with the help of the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20 and presented in tables through percentages, and frequencies. The study discovered that there are problems in MHM practices among public secondary schools under investigation. There were shortages of menstrual hygiene management practice facilities such as toilets and private areas to change absorbent pads, disposable mechanisms and water. The study recommended that adolescent girls should be provided with sanitary pads and education. There is need to improve MHM facilities such as water, disposable mechanisms and private rooms for changing absorbent materials for effective management of menstrual periods. Menstrual hygiene management topics should be integrated into the syllabi in order to increase awareness on MHM to adolescent girls. Teachers and health workers should closely provide guidance and health talks to adolescent girls, advising them on how to manage their menstrual-related illness effectively for their good performance in school.

scholarly journals Menstrual Hygiene Practice among Adolescent Girls in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Biniyam Sahiledengle ◽  
Daniel Atlaw ◽  
Abera Kumie ◽  
Yohannes Tekalegn ◽  
Demelash Woldeyohannes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Menstrual Hygiene ◽  
Menstrual Hygiene Management ◽  
Hygiene Management ◽  
Open Access Journals

Abstract Background: Adolescent girls face several challenges relating to menstruation and its proper management. Lack of adequate sanitary products, inadequate water supply, and privacy for changing sanitary pads continue to leave adolescent girls with limited options for safe and proper menstrual hygiene in many low-income settings, including Ethiopia. These situations are also compounded by societal myths, stigmas surrounding menstruation, and discriminatory social norms. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled proportion of safe menstrual hygiene management among adolescent girls in Ethiopia using the available studies. Methods: We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, African Journal Online (AJOL), Hinari, Science Direct, ProQuest, Direct of Open Access Journals, POPLINE, and Cochrane Library database inception to May 31, 2021. Studies reporting the proportion of menstrual hygiene management among adolescent girls in Ethiopia were considered. The Cochrane Q test statistics and I2 tests were used to assess the heterogeneity of the included studies. Since the included studies revealed considerable heterogeneity, a random effect meta-analysis model was used to estimate the pooled proportion of safe MHM. Results: Of 1,045 identified articles, 22 studies were eligible for analysis (n=12,330 participants). The overall pooled proportion (PP) of safe MHM in Ethiopia was 52.69% (95%CI: 44.16, 61.22). The use of commercial menstrual absorbents was common 64.63% (95%CI: 55.32, 73.93, I2 99.2%) followed by homemade cloth 53.03% (95%CI: 22.29,83.77, I2 99.2%). Disposal of absorbent material into the latrine was the most common practice in Ethiopia 62.18% (95%CI:52.87,71.49, I298.7%). One in four girls reported missing one or more school days during menstruation (PP: 32.03%, 95%CI: 22.65%, 41.40%, I2 98.2%). Conclusion: This study revealed that only half of the adolescent girls in Ethiopia had safe MHM practices. To ensure that girls in Ethiopia can manage menstruation hygienically and with dignity, strong gender-specific water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities along with strong awareness creation activities at every level are needed.

scholarly journals Factors that Influence Menstrual Hygiene Management in Adolescent Girls in Mudon Township, Mon State, Myanmar

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nwe Nwe Htun ◽  
Orapin Laosee ◽  
Cheerawit Rattanapan
Keyword(s):  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Menstrual Hygiene ◽  
Menstrual Hygiene Management ◽  
Hygiene Practices ◽  
Hygiene Management

Objective: The study assessed the underlying factors that influence menstrual hygiene management (MHM) in adolescent girls, and how it can have an effect on the girls’ education, health and daily life.Material and Methods: A community-based, quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted through face-to-face interviews, with 410 adolescent girls. Descriptive statistics, chi-square, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were applied, to describe and predict significant associations and predictors between MHM and its independent variables; such as knowledge, attitudes and practices related to menstruation, and accessibility of MHM facilities.Results: More than half of the respondents had poor MHM levels. Menstrual knowledge [adjusted odds ratio (AOR)= 2.17, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.32-3.56], attitude towards menstruation (AOR=1.65, 95% CI: 1.11-2.46), menstrual hygiene practices (AOR=2.53, 1.78-3.98) and the accessibility of MHM facilities (AOR=2.44, 95% CI: 1.29-4.62) were the factors associated with MHM. Girls with poor MHM levels were 1.1 times more likely to be affected in their daily activities, as compared to those with good MHM levels.Conclusion: The adolescent girls participating in the study were still unable to manage their menstrual hygiene well, owing to their inadequate knowledge in relation to menstruation, unhealthy menstrual hygiene practices; and the limited accessibility to MHM facilities. Establishment of such correlation necessitates; for instance, setting up a menstrual health education program as well as provision of MHM facilities, will enable the adolescent girls in Mudon Township, Mon State, Myanmar to minimize the negative impacts on their daily lives.

scholarly journals Emerging issues and barriers in access to menstrual hygiene management in a tribal district of India

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 1985
Author(s):  
Jyoti Kakwani ◽  
Jitendra Kumar Meena ◽  
Anjana Verma ◽  
Neha Dahiya
Keyword(s):  
Public Schools ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Universal Access ◽  
Social Construct ◽  
Remote Areas ◽  
Menstrual Hygiene ◽  
Menstrual Hygiene Management ◽  
Hygiene Management ◽  
Tract Infections

Background: Access to Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) remains a critical challenge to Indian women especially in remote areas. The problem of poor availability, acceptance, and affordability of MHM products is further aggravated by negative social construct and environmental concerns. Poor menstrual hygiene is linked to significant morbidity and mortality due to reproductive tract infections (RTIs) and cervical cancer etc.Methods: A campaign “Chuppi Todo” was organized in Udaipur; a tribal district in Rajasthan aiming for menstrual health education of adolescent girls and mothers across public schools through interactive means. During the campaign interviews were conducted by trained field staff with participating girls to elicit perspectives related to menstrual hygiene and feedback of the education sessions.Results: Based on qualitative assesments it was observed that women largely ignore menstrual hygiene or follow old traditional practices. They don’t prefer using modern MHM products like sanitary pads etc owing to the difficulty in their disposal and embarrassment.Conclusions: The present study highlights existing knowledge gaps and barriers in providing universal access to MHM to adolescent girls and women living in remote areas in India.  

scholarly journals Menstrual hygiene management practice among adolescent girls: a cross sectional study in Nepal

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. 3331
Author(s):  
Koshish Raj Gautam ◽  
Harsha Raj Dahal ◽  
Kshitij Karki ◽  
Shradha Acharya ◽  
Suraksha Subedi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Menstrual Hygiene ◽  
Menstrual Hygiene Management ◽  
Hygiene Management ◽  
Urban Adolescent ◽  
Urban Adolescent Girls

Background: Good menstrual hygiene is fundamental to health, hygiene and well-being of women and girls. As menstruation itself considered as taboo in Nepalese society, it has direct impacts on the health of the women and adolescent. The objective of the study is to assess the knowledge and practices regarding menstrual hygiene management among adolescent girls.Methods: A cross- sectional study design was conducted among 398 samples. Simple random sampling was done to select the resource center schools and probability proportionate sampling (PPS) technique used to get sample size. Structured interview schedule is used to collect data and analysed from SPSS software after validation.Results: Knowledge on menstrual hygiene management was good in urban adolescent girls (93.69%) as compared to rural (6.31%). Similarly, level of practice was good regarding menstrual hygiene management was good in urban adolescent girls (91.29%) as compared to rural (8.71%). Place of the residence and knowledge level of the adolescent girls was highly significant (p<0.001).Conclusions: The findings showed that rural adolescent girls had poor knowledge, various misconceptions and inadequate practices regarding menstrual hygiene management.

scholarly journals Qualitative study exploring the barriers to menstrual hygiene management faced by adolescents and young people with a disability, and their carers in the Kavrepalanchok district, Nepal 

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane Wilbur ◽  
Shubha Kayastha ◽  
Thérèse Mahon ◽  
Belen Torondel ◽  
Shaffa Hameed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
People With Disabilities ◽  
Menstrual Hygiene ◽  
Left Behind ◽  
Menstrual Hygiene Management ◽  
Hygiene Management ◽  
Purposeful Sampling ◽  
Educational Issue ◽  
Support Mechanisms ◽  
Depth Interviews

Abstract Background: Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is a recognised public health, social and educational issue, which must be achieved to allow the realisation of human rights. People with disabilities are likely to experience layers of discrimination when they are menstruating, but little evidence exists. Methods: The study aims to investigate barriers to MHM that people with disabilities and their carers, face in the Kavrepalanchok, Nepal, using qualitative methods. Twenty people with disabilities, aged 15-24, who menstruate and experience ‘a lot of difficulty’ or more across one or more of the Washington Group functional domains were included, as well as 13 carers who provide menstrual support to these individuals. Purposeful sampling was applied to select participants. Different approaches were used to investigating barriers to MHM and triangulate data: in-depth interviews, observation, PhotoVoice and ranking. We analysed data thematically, using Nvivo 11. Results: Barriers to MHM experienced by people with disabilities differ according to the impairment. Inaccessible WASH facilities were a major challenge for people with mobility, self-care and visual impairments. People with intellectual impairments had difficulty accessing MHM information and their carers despaired when they showed their menstrual blood to others, which could result in abuse. No support mechanisms existed for carers for MHM, who overwhelmed and isolated. Menstrual discomfort was a major challenge; these were managed with home remedies, or not at all. Most participants followed menstrual restrictions, which were widespread and expected, for fear of being cursed if they did not. As disability is often viewed as a curse, this demonstrates the layers of discrimination faced. Conclusion: Issues related to MHM for people with disabilities is more complex than for others in the population due to the additional disability discrimination and impairment experienced. Research exploring these issues must be conducted in different settings, and MHM interventions, tailored for impairment type and carers requirements, must be developed. Attention to, and resourcing for disability inclusive MHM must be prioritised to ensure ‘no one is left behind’.

scholarly journals Assessment of menstrual hygiene management practices and associated socio-cultural restrictions among adolescent school girls in a rural area of North India

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 1021
Author(s):  
Zainab Khan ◽  
Siraj Ahmad ◽  
Jai Vir Singh ◽  
Akhilesh Dutta Dwivedi
Keyword(s):  
Rural Area ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Management Practice ◽  
North India ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Menstrual Hygiene ◽  
Menstrual Hygiene Management ◽  
Hygiene Management ◽  
School Girls

Background: There is inadequate information on menstrual hygiene management practices and socio-cultural restrictions among adolescent girls in developing countries. The objective of the present study was to assess the menstrual hygiene management practices and associated socio-cultural restrictions among adolescent school girls.Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among adolescent school girls 10 to 19 years of age, who had attained menarche, in a rural area of district Barabanki. Total 640 adolescent girls were included in the study, and information was recorded on a predesigned and pretested interview schedule. Relevant statistical analysis was done and significant associations were found.Results: 60.5% of the girls were using sanitary pads, and 71.4% took bath during their periods. 41.3% of the girls used to change pads during schools. Unsatisfactory menstrual hygiene management practices were significantly high among girls who were from lower socioeconomic class (p<0.001) and had illiterate mothers (p<0.001). 82.8% of the girls faced religious restriction.Conclusions: Significant associations were found between menstrual hygiene management practices of adolescent school girls with their mother’s education level and socio economic status. A proper menstrual hygiene management practice is very important for every young girl to lead a healthy life and should be achieved at the beginning of their menarche by enhanced information education and communication (IEC) programmes.

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