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

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Kathryn Holmes¹  Sherry¹  Christina Curry¹  Tania Ferfolja¹  Mikayla Hyman²  Caroline Smith²  Kelly Parry²  Mike Armour² 

[1] Centre for Educational Research, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia;NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia;

关键词: menstrual health literacy;    menstrual health education;    menstrual hygiene management;    menstruation;    dysmenorrhea;   

DOI  :  10.3390/ijerph18052260

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

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.

【 授权许可】

Unknown