Menstrual management

A neglected aspect of hygiene interventions

Bibliographic Data

ID15308404
AuthorsAlison Parker (0000-0001-7370-6758, Cranfield University, corresponding author), Alison H Parker, J A Smith (0000-0001-8837-4928, Milton Keynes Hospital), Tania Verdemato (Colchester Institute), Jeanette Cooke (Cranfield University), James Webster (0000-0003-4959-683X, Oldham Council), Richard Carter (0000-0001-9625-7182, Richard Carter and Associates (United Kingdom)), Richard C Carter
Year2014
Volume23
Issue4
Pages437-454
Publication date2014-07-17
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueDisaster Prevention and Management An International Journal (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0965-3562 • E-ISSN: 1758-6100
PublisherEmerald Publishing Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1108/dpm-04-2013-0070
OpenAlexW2039663793
LanguageEN
Citations received13
References cited20

Purpose – Effective menstrual management is essential for the mental and physical well being of women. However, many women in low-income countries lack access to the materials and facilities required. They are thus restricted in their activities whilst menstruating thus compromising their education, income and domestic responsibilities. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – This study describes the menstrual management challenges faced by women in an emergency situation in Uganda. Totally, 50 interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with women from villages, internally displaced person (IDP) camps and schools so that the menstrual management of the host population could be compared with the IDPs. Findings – This study showed that in IDP camps there was a significant lack of materials including soap, underpants and absorbing cloth, and facilities like latrines and bathing shelters. As a consequence women in IDP camps suffer with poor health and diminished dignity. There is also a lack of education about menstruation and reproductive health and practices are strongly influenced by cultural taboos. Originality/value – This is the first time that the menstrual management of women in IDP or refugee camps has been studied

Bathing · Business · Dignity · Environmental health · Focus group · Internally displaced person · Latrine · Menstruation · Mental health · Political science · Population · Psychiatry · Psychological intervention · Reproductive health · Sanitation · Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting Issues · Medicine · Menstrual Health and Disorders · Nursing · Psychology · Reproductive Health and Contraception

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