A systematic review of the menstrual experiences of university students and the impacts on their education: A global perspective

Abstract

Background Higher education attainment is linked to improved health and employment outcomes but the impact of university students’ experiences of menstruation on their education is less clear. The objective of this review was to synthesise qualitative and quantitative research on university students’ menstrual experiences and educational impacts. Methods Eligible studies were identified through systematic searching across eight peer-reviewed databases, websites for menstrual health organisations, grey literature databases, and reference lists of included studies. Eligible studies must have reported on at least one of the antecedents or components of menstrual experience outlined in the integrated model of menstrual experience in relation to university students or reported on the impact of their menstrual experiences on their education. Study characteristics and findings were extracted, analysed and presented as a narrative synthesis. The quality of evidence was assessed with the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. This study is registered on PROSPERO, number CRD42020178470. Results Eighty-three studies were eligible for inclusion. Most studies (n = 74; 89%) were quantitative and the highest proportion of studies were conducted in lower-middle-income countries (n = 31; 37%). Self-reported dysmenorrhea, other physical and emotional menstrual-related symptoms, and menstrual stigma contributed to negative menstrual experiences among female students. Very few studies considered the menstrual experiences of non-binary and transgender menstruating students, and culturally diverse students. Dysmenorrhea contributed to university absenteeism, impaired participation and concentration, and declining academic performance. Inadequate sanitation facilities for menstrual management and challenges containing menstruation also negatively impacted education. Conclusions Female university students’ experiences of menstruation can negatively impact their education, highlighting the need for program and policy responses at university to improve students’ wellbeing and educational engagement. Further research on the menstrual experiences of gender diverse, migrant and international students is needed as there is insufficient evidence to date.

Academic and Social Impact of Menstrual Disturbances in Female Medical Students: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

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“…Effects of menstruation on academics have been studied throughout the century. A recent systematic review established the relationship between dysmenorrhea and academic impairment such as absenteeism, lesser participation in classroom activities, lack of concentration, and degrading academic performance ( 16 ). Female students generally prefer not to seek medical attention or self-medicate using over-the-counter pain killers or other methods to control menstrual pain ( 6 , 10 , 17 ).…”

Yoga and meditation, an essential tool to alleviate stress and enhance immunity to emerging infections: A perspective on the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on students

“…The menstrual cycle is one of the physiological rhythms of life that reflects the health of females. It could be associated with discomfort, pain, anxiety, and changes in the sleep cycle (i.e., peri-menstrual symptoms) and may affect the academic performance in females ( Fernández-Martínez et al, 2020 ; Munro et al, 2021 ). Studies show that systematic yoga practice could have beneficial effects in alleviating such discomfort and symptoms associated with the menstrual cycle in females by stabilizing the neuro-endocrinal axis ( Udupa et al, 2003 ).…”

Premenstrual Syndrome and Its Association with Perceived Stress: The Experience of Medical Students in Jordan

“…In line with these findings, a systemic review of the menstrual experiences of university students, and the impact on their education, found that students with more severe menstrual symptoms had greater rates of absenteeism before or at the time of menstruation. 12 …”

“…The review found that students’ negative experience of menstruation can negatively impact their education, rate of absenteeism, concentration, interaction and academic participation. 12 …”