Exploring menstrual health in girls and adolescents: A scoping review

Abstract

Although menstruation is considered a vital sign of physical, mental, and social well-being, it continues to face myths and taboos that negatively impact the health and well-being of girls and adolescents. Access to education and menstrual hygiene products is essential.

Objective: To explore the evidence related to aspects of the concept of menstrual health in girls and adolescents.

Material and Method: A scoping review of the literature was conducted, identifying empirical quantitative and qualitative studies focused on menstrual health in girls and adolescents aged 20 years or younger, published between January 2014 and May 2024, and indexed in Web of Science, SCOPUS, PubMed, and LILACS.

Results: A total of 18 articles were included, showing that educational interventions improve menstrual knowledge and hygiene practices while reducing school absenteeism. Cultural taboos and a lack of knowledge negatively affect the perception of menstruation, leading to feelings of shame and anxiety. Menstrual hygiene practices are often inadequate due to economic limitations, among other factors. The need for policies integrating menstrual management into education and improving school sanitation facilities was highlighted.

Conclusions: Educational interventions, the provision of hygiene products, and the improvement of sanitation facilities reduce menstrual stigma, enhance knowledge and practices, and decrease school absenteeism. However, cultural, socioeconomic, and gender-related barriers persist, underscoring the need for comprehensive and context-specific approaches to address menstrual health.