Schoolgirls’ experience and appraisal of menstrual absorbents in rural Uganda: a cross-sectional evaluation of reusable sanitary pads

Main author: Hennegan, Julie
Other authors: Dolan, Catherine
Wu, Maryalice
Scott, Linda
Montgomery, Paul
Format: Journal Article           
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id eprints-23404
recordtype eprints
institution SOAS, University of London
collection SOAS Research Online
language English
language_search English
description BACKGROUND: Governments, multinational organisations, and charities have commenced the distribution of sanitary products to address current deficits in girls’ menstrual management. The few effectiveness studies conducted have focused on health and education outcomes but have failed to provide quantitative assessment of girls’ preferences, experiences of absorbents, and comfort. Objectives of the study were, first, to quantitatively describe girls’ experiences with, and ratings of reliability and acceptability of different menstrual absorbents. Second, to compare ratings of freely-provided reusable pads (AFRIpads) to other existing methods of menstrual management. Finally, to assess differences in self-reported freedom of activity during menses according to menstrual absorbent. // METHODS: Cross-sectional, secondary analysis of data from the final survey of a controlled trial of reusable sanitary padand puberty education provision was undertaken. Participants were 205 menstruating schoolgirls from eight schools in rural Uganda. 72 girls who reported using the intervention-provided reusable pads were compared to those using existing improvised methods (predominately new or old cloth). // RESULTS: Schoolgirls using reusable pads provided significantly higher ratings of perceived absorbent reliability across activities, less difficulties changing absorbents, and less disgust with cleaning absorbents. There were no significant differences in reports of outside garment soiling (OR 1.00 95%CI 0.51–1.99), or odour (0.84 95%CI 0.40–1.74) during the last menstrual period. When girls were asked if menstruation caused them to miss daily activities there were no differences between those using reusable pads and those using other existing methods. However, when asked about activities avoided during menstruation, those using reusable pads participated less in physical sports, working in the field, fetching water, and cooking. // CONCLUSIONS: Reusable pads were rated favourably. This translated into some benefits for self-reported involvement in daily activities, although reports of actual soiling and missing activities due to menstruation did not differ. More research is needed comparing the impact of menstrual absorbents on girls’ daily activities, and validating outcome measures for menstrual management research.
format Journal Article
author Hennegan, Julie
author_facet Hennegan, Julie
Dolan, Catherine
Wu, Maryalice
Scott, Linda
Montgomery, Paul
authorStr Hennegan, Julie
author_letter Hennegan, Julie
author2 Dolan, Catherine
Wu, Maryalice
Scott, Linda
Montgomery, Paul
author2Str Dolan, Catherine
Wu, Maryalice
Scott, Linda
Montgomery, Paul
title Schoolgirls’ experience and appraisal of menstrual absorbents in rural Uganda: a cross-sectional evaluation of reusable sanitary pads
publisher BioMed Central
publishDate 2016
url https://eprints.soas.ac.uk/23404/