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Adolescent Menstrual Health Literacy in Low, Middle and High-Income Countries: A Narrative Review

Author

Listed:
  • Kathryn Holmes

    (Centre for Educational Research, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia)

  • Christina Curry

    (Centre for Educational Research, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia)

  • Sherry

    (Centre for Educational Research, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia)

  • Tania Ferfolja

    (Centre for Educational Research, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia)

  • Kelly Parry

    (NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia)

  • Caroline Smith

    (NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
    Translational Health Research Institute (THRI), Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia)

  • Mikayla Hyman

    (NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia)

  • Mike Armour

    (NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
    Translational Health Research Institute (THRI), Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia)

Abstract

Background: Poor menstrual health literacy impacts adolescents’ quality of life and health outcomes across the world. The aim of this systematic review was to identify concerns about menstrual health literacy in low/middle-income countries (LMICs) and high-income countries (HICs). Methods: Relevant social science and medical databases were searched for peer-reviewed papers published from January 2008 to January 2020, leading to the identification of 61 relevant studies. Results: A thematic analysis of the data revealed that LMICs report detrimental impacts on adolescents in relation to menstrual hygiene and cultural issues, while in HICs, issues related to pain management and long-term health outcomes were reported more frequently. Conclusions: In order to improve overall menstrual health literacy in LMICs and HICs, appropriate policies need to be developed, drawing on input from multiple stakeholders to ensure evidence-based and cost-effective practical interventions.

Suggested Citation

  • Kathryn Holmes & Christina Curry & Sherry & Tania Ferfolja & Kelly Parry & Caroline Smith & Mikayla Hyman & Mike Armour, 2021. "Adolescent Menstrual Health Literacy in Low, Middle and High-Income Countries: A Narrative Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-13, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:5:p:2260-:d:505438
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Myles F. Elledge & Arundati Muralidharan & Alison Parker & Kristin T. Ravndal & Mariam Siddiqui & Anju P. Toolaram & Katherine P. Woodward, 2018. "Menstrual Hygiene Management and Waste Disposal in Low and Middle Income Countries—A Review of the Literature," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-20, November.
    2. Jing Jing Su & Deborah Lindell, 2016. "Promoting the menstrual health of adolescent girls in China," Nursing & Health Sciences, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 18(4), pages 481-487, December.
    3. Hapuarachchige Sewvandi Maliga Sampath Kumari Wijesiri & Thusharie Sugandhika Suresh, 2013. "Knowledge and attitudes towards dysmenorrhea among adolescent girls in an urban school in Sri Lanka," Nursing & Health Sciences, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 15(1), pages 58-64, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Donna Ciccia & Aunty Kerrie Doyle & Cecilia H. M. Ng & Mike Armour, 2023. "Indigenous Peoples’ Experience and Understanding of Menstrual and Gynecological Health in Australia, Canada and New Zealand: A Scoping Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(13), pages 1-16, July.
    2. Felicity Roux & HuiJun Chih & Jacqueline Hendriks & Sharyn Burns, 2023. "Mixed Method Evaluation of My Vital Cycles ® : A Holistic School-Based Ovulatory Menstrual Health Literacy Program," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(11), pages 1-18, May.
    3. Deena Mehjabeen & Erin C. Hunter & Mehjabin Tishan Mahfuz & Moshammot Mobashara & Mahbubur Rahman & Farhana Sultana, 2022. "A Qualitative Content Analysis of Rural and Urban School Students’ Menstruation-Related Questions in Bangladesh," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(16), pages 1-15, August.

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