Work

A Pilot Study of Menstrual Health Education, Attitudes, and Product Access in Rural Honduras

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Research data on menstrual health in Honduras are limited, particularly in rural and ethnic minority areas. This pilot study aimed to assess women's perceptions of menstrual healthcare in rural Honduran communities, focusing on menstrual health education, access to menstrual products and healthcare, and community attitudes towards menstruation. This study was conducted at a 3-day medical clinic set up by Global Brigades in the rural Potrerillos community. Seventy-three female participants (aged 18-55 years) completed a paper-based survey on menstrual health using a Likert scale. Results are reported as descriptive statistics, including median with interquartile range, and 95% confidence intervals. Main findings were that 73.9% of the participants received menstrual health education predominantly at home, with 25% receiving insufficient education before menarche. Additionally, 52.8% of participants reported a lack of and an inadequate range of menstrual products, while 52.9% experienced menstruation anxiety. These findings suggest that community educational initiatives and increased access to menstrual products could significantly improve the menstrual health of rural Honduran women and help reduce negative menstruation experiences.

Source: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

DOI: 10.3390/ijerph22030374

Authors: Eleanor Stubley, Janice M. Marshall

Institution: University of Birmingham

Language: English

Topic: Menstrual Health and Disorders

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities, Gender equality

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,016