Menstruation Management in United States Schools and Implications for Attendance, Academic Performance, and Health

Cotropia, Christopher Anthony

doi:10.1080/23293691.2019.1653575

Cited by 30 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 34 publications

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“…Here in the U.S., the shuttering of schools and transmission risks associated with public transportation early in the pandemic likely contributed to the increased rates of period poverty observed, especially during the first year of the pandemic. Given the substantial percentage of students who report relying on schools for access to period products ( 9 , 11 , 25 ), planning for future pandemic response must consider how to counteract the negative consequences of these necessary public health measures in order to minimize the ripple effects of a pandemic.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…At a Missouri high school, where 99% of students are eligible for free or reduced lunch, around 60% of girls indicated they obtained period products through their school and 48% reported that at least once during the past school year they needed products but did not have money to buy them ( 9 ). A 2019 survey documented period poverty and the subsequent effects on mental health among college students ( 10 ) while another 2019 study found an association between lack of access to period products at school and students' ability to learn ( 11 ), but data about the general population are still limited.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

Hunter

Palovick

Teni

et al. 2022

Front. Reprod. Health

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

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

Hunter

Palovick

Teni

et al. 2022

Front. Reprod. Health

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Attendance and attentiveness are affected if products for management of their period are not available. A study, that was done with just under 700 young women who attended high school in the United States, found that 92% of the young women needed access to menstrual hygiene products in school while only 42% of those schools provided said products (often requiring students to pay for them) (Cotropia, 2019). Nearly one in five menstruating young women in the United States have left school early or missed school completely due to not having access to period products (Proctor & Gamble Company, 2018).…”

Section: Schoolsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…When school is missed during the critical ages during the onset of puberty, young girls specifically miss out on important confidence building activities and knowledge that has the ability to limit her potential later in life (Proctor & Gamble Company, 2018). Lack of access to period products prevents young people from attending school or focusing on tasks if they do attend (Cotropia, 2019). It has been shown that there are significant correlations between lack of accessibility to menstrual products in schools and negative impacts on student's ability to learn (Cotropia, 2019).…”

Section: Schoolsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Lack of access to period products prevents young people from attending school or focusing on tasks if they do attend (Cotropia, 2019). It has been shown that there are significant correlations between lack of accessibility to menstrual products in schools and negative impacts on student's ability to learn (Cotropia, 2019). Negative attitudes around menstruation for young girls has been shown to increase "self-objectification, body shame, and lack of agency in sexual decision making" (Stubbs, 2008).…”

Section: Schoolsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Menstrual equity and justice in the United States

Crays

2020

Sexuality Gender & Policy

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Menstrual injustice is “the oppression of menstruators, women, girls, transgender men and boys, and nonbinary persons, simply because they menstruate” (Johnson, 2019, Menstrual Justice. SSRN Scholarly Paper). This study reviews issues associated with menstrual justice and equity. Specifically, it examines the cost of menstruation, tax legislation, contents of products, transgender and nonbinary inclusion, and differences in product availability. The study demonstrates that menstrual equity and justice will not be achieved in the United States until gender equity is achieved as well. In addition, the data suggest that further research is needed on the health risks associated with products in order to address the health concerns and lack of regulations around the use of these products. Lastly, the study provides evidences for structural change being essential in creating a sustainable solution to menstrual injustice.

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What can Australian schools do better? Supporting students during menstruation

et al. 2023

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Menstrual management is recognized as a critical issue for young people internationally. Relatively little published research explores issues pertaining to menstruation in school education. This paper is based on the results of an Australian survey of 5007 young women aged 13–25, which examined their experiences of menstruation and dysmenorrhea. It focuses specifically on participant qualitative responses to the question, “What do you think schools could do to better support girls during their period?” Six key themes were identified across responses. These related to sanitation; pain management; removing stigma; adequate breaks; and being considerate. The findings reported herein highlight some of the challenges menstruating young people encounter at school and give voice to their needs; these have important implications for school improvement in this area.

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Menstruation Management in United States Schools and Implications for Attendance, Academic Performance, and Health

Cited by 30 publications

References 34 publications

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

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

Menstrual equity and justice in the United States

What can Australian schools do better? Supporting students during menstruation

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