Holmes, K.; Curry, C.; Sherry; Ferfolja, T.; Parry, K.; Smith, C.; Hyman, M.; Armour, M. Adolescent Menstrual Health Literacy in Low, Middle and High-Income Countries: A Narrative Review. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health2021, 18, 2260.
Holmes, K.; Curry, C.; Sherry; Ferfolja, T.; Parry, K.; Smith, C.; Hyman, M.; Armour, M. Adolescent Menstrual Health Literacy in Low, Middle and High-Income Countries: A Narrative Review. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18, 2260.
Holmes, K.; Curry, C.; Sherry; Ferfolja, T.; Parry, K.; Smith, C.; Hyman, M.; Armour, M. Adolescent Menstrual Health Literacy in Low, Middle and High-Income Countries: A Narrative Review. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health2021, 18, 2260.
Holmes, K.; Curry, C.; Sherry; Ferfolja, T.; Parry, K.; Smith, C.; Hyman, M.; Armour, M. Adolescent Menstrual Health Literacy in Low, Middle and High-Income Countries: A Narrative Review. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18, 2260.
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 (LMIC) and high-income (HIC) countries. Methods: Relevant social science and medical databases were searched for peer-reviewed papers from January 2008 to January 2020 identifying 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.
Keywords
menstrual health literacy; menstrual health education; menstrual hygiene management; menstruation; dysmenorrhea
Subject
Business, Economics and Management, Accounting and Taxation
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.