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

Kathryn Holmes, Christina Curry, Sherry, Tania Ferfolja, Kelly Parry, Caroline Smith, Mikayla Hyman and Mike Armour
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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
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

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 5, 1-13

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.

Keywords: menstrual health literacy; menstrual health education; menstrual hygiene management; menstruation; dysmenorrhea (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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