Youth Interest in Reusable Menstrual Hygiene Products: An Opportunity for Improving Menstruation Management

Author

Makenna R. Eccles, College of the Holy Cross

Date of Creation

5-15-2024

Document Type

Campus Access Only

First Advisor

Alison Bryant Ludden

Abstract

Adolescents experience inconsistent menstrual hygiene material access that is exacerbated by poverty and results in menstruation management difficulty, health risks, and interruptions to school attendance. The study centered the adolescent menstruation management experience through qualitative interviews to identify management difficulties and to assess knowledge, interest, and perceived feasibility of implementing reusable menstrual hygiene materials such as reusable sanitary pads, and period underwear, menstrual cups, and menstrual disks to improve both menstrual hygiene access and menstrual management experiences. Inductive and deductive coding was used to analyze interview data and identify key themes. Adolescents expressed interest in reusable menstrual hygiene materials due to the perception that they would solve challenges other hygiene products could not and because they were curious about alternative management methods, demonstrating opportunity for positive uptake of reusable hygiene materials as a more consistent and less environmentally damaging menstrual hygiene solution to period poverty.

Comments

Reader: Tsitsi Masvawure

Recommended Citation

Eccles, Makenna R., "Youth Interest in Reusable Menstrual Hygiene Products: An Opportunity for Improving Menstruation Management" (2024). College Honors Program. 109.
https://crossworks.holycross.edu/honors/109