Submission ID 117630
| Issue/Objective | Period poverty, the lack of access to menstrual products and hygiene facilities, is a neglected public health issue that disproportionately affects students. It negatively impacts mental health, increasing anxiety, depression, and stress while contributing to absenteeism and academic setbacks. Despite growing recognition of menstrual equity, policies remain inconsistent. This rapid review assesses the mental health impacts of period poverty on students, examining its associations with access to menstrual products through school-based programs and improved mental health outcomes. |
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| Methodology/Approach | A modified Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) method was used. Inclusion criteria focused on primary quantitative studies published in English from 2015 to 2025 that examined the mental health impacts of period poverty and school-based menstrual product programs. Screening and data extraction were performed by a single reviewer. Quantitative synthesis methods are being employed to identify key outcomes. The search was conducted in PubMed and CINAHL, with data management via Covidence. |
| Results | Twenty articles identified in this search indicate a strong association between period poverty and poor mental health outcomes, including stress, anxiety, and depression. Preliminary evidence suggests that access to menstrual products through school-based programs can improve mental health outcomes. Full data extraction and results will be completed by the end of April 2025. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | The findings highlight the global need for policy changes to address period poverty and its mental health consequences. This study demonstrates that period poverty is a significant mental health concern, reinforcing the importance of school-based menstrual product programs as a potential intervention. While such programs do not fully resolve structural inequities, they help reduce menstrual stigma and promote academic success. Future studies should explore cross-sector collaborations (e.g., schools, government) to develop sustainable solutions for period poverty and student well-being. |
| Presenters and affiliations | Maria Farooq Western University of Ontario Maria Farooq Western University of Ontario |
