Menstruation Management in United States Schools and Implications for Attendance, Academic Performance, and Health

Abstract

This study surveys 693 females between 18-25 years old, all of which attended United States high schools, asking them about their need for, and the availability of, menstrual hygiene products (MHPs) in high school and the impact, if any, the lack of access to MHPs in school had for their attendance, academic performance, and health. Respondents indicated that most (640, 92.35%) needed MHPs while at school, but only 292 (42.13%) attended schools providing MHPs (many of which required students to pay for them). Respondents indicated that this lack of access to MHPs resulted in 88 (12.7%) missing school, 104 (15.01%) being late to school, and 165 (23.91%) leaving school early. The lack of access was also identified by 122 (17.6%) respondents as impacting their ability to learn and resulting in 53 (7.65%) to experience health issues. The study finds a statistically significant correlation between a school’s failure to provide MHPs and a student missing school or leaving school early and negative impacts on their ability to learn.

Keywords: Adolescents; Menstruation; Menstrual Hygiene Products; Feminine Hygiene Products; School; Attendance