Experiencias menstruales y aceptabilidad de una intervención sobre equidad menstrual en adolescentes en Cataluña

Objective

To explore menstrual knowledge, menstrual management, the use of menstrual products, the prevalence of menstrual poverty and to assess the acceptability of a menstrual equity intervention among students in the fourth grade of compulsory secondary education in Catalonia (Spain).

Method

Post-intervention mixed-methods study (cross-sectional study and qualitative study with focus groups) with a critical and gender perspective. It was conducted between July 2022 and March 2023. Descriptive and bivariate statistical analyses stratified by gender were carried out. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Women and people who menstruate rated the intervention favourably, while some men were reluctant. The intervention promoted the use of some reusable menstrual products, although some barriers to use menstrual cups were identified. Participants reported institutional barriers to menstrual management in the school setting and 19.4% stopped attending school during menstruation in the 6 months prior to the study. Between 10.9-16.4% reported menstrual poverty in the 6 months prior to the study, and 29,0% took actions to reduce the environmental impact of menstrual products.

Conclusions

This study highlights the need for co-designing menstrual interventions that consider gender dynamics and sexist attitudes with students, as well as targeting it to teachers. The provision of reusable menstrual products can be helpful in promoting their use, although accompaniment should be provided. In parallel, it is crucial to strengthen menstrual education, as well as to reduce menstrual poverty and school absenteeism during menstruation.