A Qualitative Analysis of Urbanization and Menstrual Health Among Young Women

• Published in: Curēus (Palo Alto, CA) Vol. 16; no. 3; p. e56390
• Main Authors: Dalai, Sithal, Malini, D Shobha, Satapathy, Durga M, Patro, Sithun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Cureus Inc 18.03.2024; Cureus
• Subjects: Community health care; Consent; Data collection; Education; Epidemiology/Public Health; Focus groups; Ghettos; Girls; Health Policy; Hygiene; Interviews; Knowledge; Menstruation; Mothers; Pain; Public Health; School dropouts; Taboos; Teenagers; Womens health; India; compliance to iron folic acid tablets; focus group discussion; grounded theory; qualitative studies; inductive thematic analysis; menstrual health hygiene; adolescent gynecology; government health scheme
• ISSN: 2168-8184; 2168-8184
• DOI: 10.7759/cureus.56390

This qualitative study, grounded in theory, employed inductive coding for analysis, focusing on menstrual health among urban women aged 10-25. The research aims to explore the menstrual health status, practices, and beliefs of participants. The research delves into the impact of recent government initiatives on menstrual health and assesses the role of urbanization in shaping evolving menstrual health practices among young girls. Employing in-depth qualitative methods such as interviews and focus group discussions, the study seeks a comprehensive understanding of participants' experiences and perceptions related to menstrual health. The dynamics of women's menstrual experiences are significantly influenced by urbanization, heightened exposure to social media, evolving lifestyles, and government initiatives like the distribution of menstrual products in schools and the enhancement of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities in government institutions. Positive shifts have been observed, including reduced restrictions on menstruating individuals, enhanced access to affordable hygiene products, and improved disposal facilitated by municipal garbage collection services. However, notable gaps persist in basic knowledge about menstruation, hygienic practices, effective interpersonal communication with schoolteachers or community health care workers, and compliance with government programs promoting weekly iron-folic acid supplementation and biannual Albendazole intake, calling for substantial improvement.