Educational interventions to improve menstrual health: approaches and challenges

Abstract

Background Inappropriate menstrual care practices result in adverse health consequences among girls. Developing and implementing interventions that minimize these adverse consequences and facilitate development of healthy menstrual behavior are a priority for any nation. Objectives This study aimed at collating, summarizing and reviewing evidence to assess the effectiveness of interventions to improve menstrual health and the challenges faced in doing the same. Methods A systematic review of studies published in peer-reviewed journals and project reports was conducted. Intervention studies related to menstrual health management conducted from 2007 to 2018 were analyzed. A total of 27 interventions conducted among young girls in different countries were identified and study characteristics and outcomes were reviewed. Results Different intervention studies used a variety of methods like lectures, discussions, demonstrations using multiple audio-visual aids and provision of resources like menstrual cups, sanitary pads and washing soap to spread awareness about menstrual hygiene. Most of the interventions reported a positive impact on the awareness and menstrual practices of girls. However, in a few studies no significant change was observed in the attitude regarding regular bathing, practices related to self-medication for dysmenorrhea and socio-cultural taboos. Conclusion This review of literature has offered insights into the scope and development of future interventions so that apart from increasing awareness and knowledge on menstrual health issues, sustained behavior change can be brought about among girls to improve their health.

Perception of Menstrual Normality and Abnormality in Spanish Female Nursing Students

“…Currently, women also seek information on the internet due to its ease of accessibility, although the information on menstruation that these websites provide is often inaccurate and confusing [ 50 ]. For these reasons, in recent years, several authors have pointed out the need for greater menstrual literacy and have analyzed current educational interventions in this regard, stressing that these websites are having a poor effect in terms of dismantling taboos and menstrual myths [ 21 , 24 , 25 ]. It is therefore considered necessary to continue working on more effective interventions.…”

“…In addition, socially, there is still a tendency to conceal menstruation, as reflected in television adverts for menstruation-related products [ 22 ]. Seear [ 23 ] even pointed out that publicizing menstrual issues can make women more vulnerable to stigmatization, and various authors in the same vein highlight the need to implement new educational strategies in this regard [ 24 , 25 ].…”

Living with Restrictions. The Perspective of Nursing Students with Primary Dysmenorrhea

“…Additionally, it is essential to develop strategies to provide information and raise awareness (health education) on dysmenorrhea aimed at the entire community in order to dismantle myths and destigmatise menstruation [53,54,61]. These strategies should be designed based on an analysis of students' needs [62] and be provided from early school years through to higher education [63].…”

Pain management and coping strategies for primary dysmenorrhea: A qualitative study among female nursing students

“…Our findings also show that participants expressed fear of dependency or tolerance of analgesics. The authors are unaware of whether these fears or worries originate from negative personal experiences or are derived from myths or false beliefs (Rastogi et al, 2019;Yagnik, 2019). This is important given that the students are future healthcare professionals and will be responsible for public health education.…”