Economic insecurity, access to menstrual materials, and sexual coercion

A qualitative study among adolescent schoolgirls in Ibadan, Nigeria

Bibliographic Data

ID22427766
AuthorsElizabeth L Frost (San Diego State University, corresponding author), Elizabeth Reed (0000-0002-9409-5965), E B Reed (0000-0002-0485-093X, San Diego State University), Shira Goldenberg (San Diego State University), Angela R Bazzi (0000-0001-6828-1919, University of California San Diego), Olufunmilayo I Fawole (0000-0002-6982-8899, University of Ibadan), Mobolaji M Salawu (0000-0002-5708-1417, University of Ibadan), Omowumi O Okedare (0000-0002-4604-1612, University of Ibadan), Georgia L Kayser (University of Ibadan)
Year2026
Volume23
Issue1
Publication date2026-04-17
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueReproductive Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1742-4755 • E-ISSN: 1742-4755
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media LLC (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1186/s12978-026-02302-3
PMID41998656
OpenAlexW7154740014
LanguageEN
References cited36

Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is a critical but often overlooked component of adolescent girls’ health. Limited access to financial resources for purchasing menstrual materials is a key barrier to adequate MHM. Few studies have examined how adolescent girls obtain materials, how economic insecurity may affect MHM, and whether this promotes reliance on male partners for financial means to purchase materials. Prior research has linked dependence on male partners for basic needs like food with increased risk of sexual coercion, yet little is known about whether dependence on male partners for menstrual materials carries similar risks. This study examined MHM among adolescent girls, focusing on how economic insecurity may drive girls’ reliance on male partners for menstrual materials and potential exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV). We conducted one-on-one interviews with 38 adolescent girls ages 15–19 from eight schools in low-income communities of Ibadan, Nigeria. Data was gathered on menstrual hygiene practices, access to and affordability of menstrual materials, and how relationships with male partners influence access to menstrual materials. Conversational analysis was conducted using QInsights BV to identify key themes, patterns, and insights from textual data. A total of 38 adolescent girls were interviewed. Participants’ mean age was 16 years, half were currently in relationships, and 31% worked for an income alongside attending school. Emergent themes showed mothers typically provided menstrual materials or money to pay for materials. Participants also reported borrowing money from friends and relying on support from family members such as sisters, aunts, and grandmothers for menstrual materials. Some participants reported receiving money from male partners to purchase pads. Of these, several described being sexually pressured in exchange for financial support. Our research suggests limited access to menstrual materials may contribute to girls’ financial reliance on male partners, potentially increasing vulnerability to sexual coercion. Our study is among the first to qualitatively examine how menstrual health insecurity may foster financial dependence on male partners and, in turn, heighten vulnerability to sexual coercion. Future research and programs should address the intersection of MHM, reliance on male partners, and IPV. Managing menstrual periods is an important part of girls’ health and well-being, but many girls, especially those in low-income communities, struggle to afford menstrual materials. This study looked at how teenage girls in Ibadan, Nigeria, obtain the menstrual materials they need and whether access affects their relationships or safety. We spoke with 38 girls aged 15 to 19 from eight schools in low-income areas. Most girls said their mothers usually provide pads or give money to buy them. Some girls also got help from sisters, aunts, grandmothers, or friends. A few girls said they worked to earn money for themselves. However, some girls reported relying on their boyfriends for money to buy pads, and in some cases, these boyfriends expected sex in return for the financial support. The study used qualitative data analysis in order to help identify key patterns and themes in the girls’ stories. We found that when girls cannot consistently afford menstrual materials, some turn to male partners for help, which can lead to unequal power dynamics and increase their vulnerability to sexual pressure or even sexual coercion. These findings suggest that menstrual hygiene is not just a health issue—it’s also connected to girls’ economic security and overall safety. Programs that support menstrual health should also consider how lack of access to materials may put girls at risk and should incorporate strategies to encourage girls’ economic empowerment and prevent intimate partner violence.

Hygiene · Menstrual cycle · Population · Public health · Purchasing power · Qualitative research · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · Menstrual Health and Disorders · Reproductive Health and Contraception · Reproductive Medicine

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