Emphasizing Choice and Autonomy in Personal Hygiene, Menstrual Health, and Sexual Health Product Distribution to People Experiencing Homelessness in Atlanta, Georgia During COVID-19

Ballard, April M; Hoover, Alison; Rodríguez, Alejandro Damián; Caruso, Bethany A.

doi:10.1177/15248399211024996

Cited by 5 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 1 publication

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“…However, more research is needed as to the specific barriers, whether that be policies, stigma, or availability of medication, to pain management within homeless service providers. This issues of supplies corroborated in investigations in other cities [ 20 , 21 , 57 , 58 ], indicating the menstruation experience of PEH as a whole is complicated by inadequate access to necessary items and services.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 62%

“…Our study advances reproductive and public health research goals by illuminating PEH’s challenges when managing menstruation in Indiana. It contributes to the national dialogue on the importance of addressing these barriers, through increasing product and hygienic space access [ 21 , 48 , 58 ], changing policies [ 34 , 61 ], and improving period equity [ 62 ]. Additionally, our study draws attention to critical gaps at organizational and policy levels in menstruation-related services to better integrate menstruation into health and well-being programs for PEH.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Menstruating while homeless: navigating access to products, spaces, and services

DeMaria,

Martinez,

Otten

et al. 2024

BMC Public Health

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Background People experiencing homelessness (PEH) in the United States face substantial challenges related to menstruation, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Limited access to period products, heightened stigma, and gynecological challenges contribute to increased hardships for PEH, highlighting the need for improved services and policies to address period equity and overall well-being for this vulnerable population. Methods We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with PEH (n = 12) and community healthcare and social service providers (e.g., case managers, shelter directors, community health workers, and nurses, n = 12) in Lafayette, Indiana, a city located between Indianapolis and Chicago in the United States. We used thematic analysis techniques for data analysis. Results PEH’s limited access to products, services, and safe spaces hindered effective menstruation management within restrictive community contexts. Although community healthcare and service providers offered some support, complex interactions with the healthcare system, stigma, and limited access to spaces exacerbated barriers. The COVID-19 pandemic further intensified these difficulties by closing public spaces, worsening economic conditions, and straining service provider resources. Conclusions Results highlight critical organizational and policy gaps in the United States for menstruation management resources and services, emphasizing the need for better integration into health and well-being programs for PEH. These insights will advance reproductive and public health research, shedding light on the disparities faced by PEH in managing menstruation in Indiana and contributing to the national discourse on addressing these barriers. Amid the complex landscape of public health, particularly during and after the pandemic, prioritizing menstrual health remains essential for all individuals’ overall well-being, including those experiencing homelessness.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 62%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Menstruating while homeless: navigating access to products, spaces, and services

DeMaria,

Martinez,

Otten

et al. 2024

BMC Public Health

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“…Additionally, previous research has suggested that access to private showers, restrooms, and running water within day centres for PEH promote a greater sense of security and safety [ 168 , 169 ]. Therefore, increasing availability and access to private restrooms and hygienic resources could have twofold benefits: increased engagement with personal hygiene and compliance with COVID-19 guidelines [ 11 , 40 , 88 , 170 , 171 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Scoping Review of the Health Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Persons Experiencing Homelessness in North America and Europe

Corey

Lyons

O'Carroll³

et al. 2022

IJERPH

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Persons experiencing homelessness (PEH) are at heightened risk for infection, morbidity, and mortality from COVID-19. However, health consequences of the pandemic extend far beyond those directly caused by the virus. This scoping review aimed to explore the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health and well-being of PEH in North America and Europe. A systematic search of academic and grey literature was conducted in September 2021. To be included, studies had to include primary data related to the impact of the pandemic on health or well-being of PEH and be written in English. All potentially relevant references were independently screened by two reviewers, and minor conflicts were settled with input of a third reviewer. A total of 96 articles met criteria for inclusion. Data extraction was completed for all included studies, and findings synthesised and presented thematically. Numerous health impacts of the pandemic on PEH were identified, including SARS-CoV-2 infection, morbidity, mortality, and hospitalisation, fear of infection, access to housing, hygiene, PPE, food, as well as mental health, substance use, other health-related outcomes and treatment services. Gaps in the literature relating to persons using alcohol, access to mental health support, and violence were also identified. Implications for future research are discussed.

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“…[5][6][7][8] Other studies have focused on understanding the menstrual self-care practices and menstrual health challenges of women and girls in humanitarian contexts, as well as the acceptability of specific menstrual products in such settings. [9][10][11] More recently, studies have started to describe challenges for adult women, [12][13][14][15] marginalized populations in high income countries (HICs), [16][17][18][19][20] , mental health, 21 and to develop measures for menstrual health research. 22,23 The evidence on menstrual health has been consolidated in a growing body of systematic reviews, including reviews focused on specific geographies, [24][25][26] populations (e.g.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

Plesons¹,

Torondel²,

Caruso³

et al. 2023

Preprint

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Background: Research on menstrual health is required to understand the needs of girls, women, and others who menstruate; and to strengthen programmes with evidence-based interventions to improve health, wellbeing, and productivity. The identification of research priorities is an important process to help researchers, policymakers, programmers, and funding agencies decide where to invest their efforts and resources. Methods: A modified version of the Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative (CHNRI) approach was utilized to reach consensus on a set of research priority questions. Multisector stakeholders with expertise in policy, programming, financial support, and/or research relating to menstrual health were identified through networks and the literature. Individuals were invited to submit priority questions through survey monkey online on i) understanding the problem; ii) designing and implementing interventions; iii) integrating and scaling up interventions. Responses were consolidated and individuals were then invited to rank these questions based on i) novelty; ii) potential for intervention; and iii) importance/impact. Research priority scores were calculated from these responses and analyzed to evaluate associations with social and occupational characteristics of participating respondents.Results: Eighty-two participants, of whom 89% were female and 39.0% from low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), proposed a total of 1135 research questions: 45.9% on understanding the problem, 39.7% on designing and implementing interventions, 12.7% on integrating and scale-up, plus 1.5% on other aspects. Questions were consolidated into a final list of 91 unique research questions. Sixty-six participants, of whom 80.3% were women and 39.4% from LMIC, ranked these questions. Top ten-ranked research priority questions comprised four questions on ‘understanding the problem’, four on ‘designing and implementing interventions’, one on ‘integrating and scaling up’, and one on ‘measurement and research’. Academics gave higher prioritization to ‘designing and implementing interventions,’ and lower prioritization to questions on ’understanding the problem,’ ‘integrating and scaling up,’ and ‘measurement and research.Conclusions: Use of CHNRI generated unique research priority questions from expertise internationally. The top-ranking research priorities can be utilized by policymakers, programmers, researchers, and funders to guide future research in menstrual health.

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Emphasizing Choice and Autonomy in Personal Hygiene, Menstrual Health, and Sexual Health Product Distribution to People Experiencing Homelessness in Atlanta, Georgia During COVID-19

Cited by 5 publications

References 1 publication

Menstruating while homeless: navigating access to products, spaces, and services

Menstruating while homeless: navigating access to products, spaces, and services

A Scoping Review of the Health Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Persons Experiencing Homelessness in North America and Europe

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

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