Preventing Period Poverty: Assessing Drivers of Period Poverty and Absenteeism Among Adolescents and Young Adults in Maryland
Location
Philadelphia, PA
Start Date
17-4-2026 1:30 PM
End Date
17-4-2026 2:30 PM
Description
Objective: To understand the drivers of youth period poverty (the lack of access to period supplies, pain management, safe menstruating facilities, and menstrual education) and period-related absenteeism in Maryland, US.
Methods: From April 2022 to November 2023, Maryland post-menarchal youth aged 12-24 were recruited via social media to complete a survey on personal experiences with period poverty. Markers of menstrual health management (MHM), absenteeism, and sociodemographic characteristics were analyzed via linear regression. A fraction of survey-takers also participated in semi-structured focus group discussions (FGD).
Results: 450 youth completed the survey and 38 participated in FGDs. Predictors of worse MHM were lower income and not receiving premenarchal education. Predictors of absenteeism were worse MHM scores, Hispanic/Latino ethnicity, lower income, and not receiving premenarchal education. Qualitative findings included financial barriers to period products, accessibility of period products (e.g., lack of free products in public spaces and a lack of inclusive locations such as gender-neutral bathrooms), and barriers within school-related infrastructure (e.g., policies preventing pain medication, policies restricting bathroom use). Youth also shared desires to improve access, including advocating for free period products in the workplace and school bathrooms, broadening locations with free products, and receiving more comprehensive menstrual health education from schools and doctors.
Conclusion: This study highlighted significant socioeconomic and structural barriers to menstrual health management (MHM) and period-related absenteeism among Maryland youth. Addressing these gaps with improved education, policy changes, and increased access to period supplies could promote menstrual health equity for youth in Maryland.
Embargo Period
5-21-2026
Preventing Period Poverty: Assessing Drivers of Period Poverty and Absenteeism Among Adolescents and Young Adults in Maryland
Philadelphia, PA
Objective: To understand the drivers of youth period poverty (the lack of access to period supplies, pain management, safe menstruating facilities, and menstrual education) and period-related absenteeism in Maryland, US.
Methods: From April 2022 to November 2023, Maryland post-menarchal youth aged 12-24 were recruited via social media to complete a survey on personal experiences with period poverty. Markers of menstrual health management (MHM), absenteeism, and sociodemographic characteristics were analyzed via linear regression. A fraction of survey-takers also participated in semi-structured focus group discussions (FGD).
Results: 450 youth completed the survey and 38 participated in FGDs. Predictors of worse MHM were lower income and not receiving premenarchal education. Predictors of absenteeism were worse MHM scores, Hispanic/Latino ethnicity, lower income, and not receiving premenarchal education. Qualitative findings included financial barriers to period products, accessibility of period products (e.g., lack of free products in public spaces and a lack of inclusive locations such as gender-neutral bathrooms), and barriers within school-related infrastructure (e.g., policies preventing pain medication, policies restricting bathroom use). Youth also shared desires to improve access, including advocating for free period products in the workplace and school bathrooms, broadening locations with free products, and receiving more comprehensive menstrual health education from schools and doctors.
Conclusion: This study highlighted significant socioeconomic and structural barriers to menstrual health management (MHM) and period-related absenteeism among Maryland youth. Addressing these gaps with improved education, policy changes, and increased access to period supplies could promote menstrual health equity for youth in Maryland.
Comments
Winner of PCOM Research Day 2026 Division of Research Award for Exceptional Clinical Research.