Estimating the impact of menstrual poverty on adolescents in Nova Scotia.

BACKGROUND: Menstrual poverty is defined as the inability of people who menstruate to obtain menstrual products due to financial burden. The impact of menstrual poverty is not well studied in developed countries.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to estimate the impact of menstrual poverty on adolescents who reside in Nova Scotia (NS), Canada.

METHODS: A web-based, 25-item questionnaire, the adolescent Menstrual Poverty Questionnaire (aMPQ), was developed and distributed via social media. Adolescents less than 18 years of age, English-speaking and living in NS were eligible to complete the questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive analysis.

RESULTS: Four hundred and twenty adolescents completed the questionnaire, with a mean age of 16.1 years (14.4-17.9 years). Results revealed that 65% of respondents do not always have enough money to buy menstrual products. This led to unsafe menstrual hygiene practices including using alternatives for menstrual products (e.g., rags), washing disposable menstrual products, and/or wearing products for longer than intended. Forty percent of respondents reported lack of affordability of menstrual products as a cause for school absenteeism and lack of participation in sport/social activities. Seventy percent of respondents felt embarrassed to ask for products even when they are provided for free, and almost all supported the idea of having freely available menstrual products in public washrooms.

CONCLUSIONS: This study determined that menstrual poverty impacts adolescents in Nova Scotia. To address menstrual poverty, menstrual products should be freely available in all public washrooms, as this will provide unrestricted access to menstruators and promote their full participation in society.