Status of Menstrual Dignity during the COVID-19 Pandemics

participants has been identified as a major factor menstrual Abstract Background: Violence against women takes different forms, often reflecting cultural patterns. Forced segregation and other dangerous or at least discriminatory practices during menstruation can be observed in a number of cultures, such as Nepal, but also in other regions. The present pandemic with its special risks and lockdown measures must be expected to potentially cause additional problems for women in the critical time of menstruation. Aims and methodology: The aim of our study was to collect information on the experience of women in different regions and identify risk factors for such practices, such as education, health belief systems and bias in the communities together with the impact of the COVID pandemic on these factors. The survey was conducted online to keep safety protocols necessary during the SARS 2 pandemic. To identify possible key factors we conducted a qualitative/mixed method survey resulting in categories and vivid descriptions relating to violence and discrimination. 139 participants, (age range 13-48 years, 85.8 percent female, else LGBT) from different countries, including both low-economy countries with high rates of reported discrimination such as Nepal and India, but also from the US participated in the survey. Results: Patients reported experience of bias and insufficient or incorrect information by parents, and later in the communities. Lockdown measures impacted in some cases, but in general to a lesser degree on access to dignified hygienic measures required during menstruation, as compared to before the pandemics, but was reported to increase the social stress and reduce social support. Shame, insecurity and distress during menstruation and were described as main adverse factors influencing well-being and psychological health.