Period poverty: Menstrual information, product selection, and disposal among urban female nursing students in Bangladesh

Abstract

Period poverty, the lack of access to menstrual hygiene products, sanitation facilities, and education, remains a pressing issue in low- and middle-income countries. This study explored the emotional and practical challenges faced by nursing students, focusing on menstrual education, product accessibility, and disposal practices. A qualitative approach was adopted, involving 35 female nursing students (aged 26 ± 3.3 years) from seven government nursing colleges across three regions of Bangladesh. Data was collected from June to July 2023 through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and In-Depth Interviews (IDIs). Purposive sampling was employed for FGDs, while convenience was sampling used for IDIs. Thematic analysis, facilitated by MAXQDA2023 software, identified key themes and subthemes related to menstrual experiences. Three major themes emerged: (1) fear and confusion during first menstruation, (2) barriers to menstrual product accessibility, and (3) challenges in menstrual hygiene management. Many students reported fear and confusion during their first menstruation, largely due to inadequate information from female family members, especially mothers. Sanitary pads were the preferred menstrual product, but the embarrassment of buying products in front of men often made purchasing them difficult and they used old clothes. Additionally, a lack of proper disposal facilities and embarrassment in managing menstruation in public were significant concerns. This study underscores the need for comprehensive menstrual education and improved Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure in educational institutions. Addressing these issues is critical to promoting safe and dignified menstrual management, reducing stigma, and enhancing health outcomes for menstruators.