A study from American Academy of Pediatrics found that one in three teens visiting a pediatric emergency department struggle to access menstruation products. This issue, known as “period poverty”.
Researchers of this study highlighted the need for local and national efforts to make these products more affordable and accessible for young people.
Menstrual equity means everyone who menstruates should have access to affordable, quality menstrual products. However, a study found that 30% of adolescents lack these products, regardless of factors like income, insurance, race, or community.
Around 11.9 million people struggle to access menstrual products, leading to missed school or work and can lead to health problems like urinary tract infections and bacterial infections.
The study shows the importance of public health programs and policy changes to help young people get the menstrual products they need. Without access, their health and daily activities can be affected. Providing these products should be a public health priority.
An abstract presented during the American Academy of Pediatrics 2024 National Conference & Exhibition measures the prevalence of period poverty in a pediatric emergency department.