Introduction
Menstrual health and hygiene are critical public health and social issues in Nepal, where cultural, religious, and infrastructural challenges significantly impact the lives of women and girls. A recent systematic review employing a social ecological model (SEM) sheds light on these challenges and provides a framework for addressing them.
Understanding the Social Ecological Model
The SEM is a public health framework that examines how health is influenced at multiple levels: individual, interpersonal, community, organizational, and policy. This model is particularly useful for understanding menstrual health and hygiene, as it considers the complex interplay of factors affecting these issues.
Key Findings from the Systematic Review
- Individual Level: Lack of education and awareness about menstruation leads to misconceptions and poor hygiene practices. Economic status also plays a role, with those in lower socioeconomic brackets facing greater challenges.
- Interpersonal Level: Cultural and religious beliefs often lead to restrictive practices, such as the Chhaupadi tradition, which negatively impact women's health and well-being.
- Community Level: Community support, such as mothers' groups, can play a vital role in advocating for better menstrual health practices.
- Organizational Level: Schools often lack adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities, contributing to school absenteeism among girls.
- Policy Level: There is a need for comprehensive policies that prioritize menstrual health and hygiene, integrating them into broader public health and education initiatives.
Implications for Practitioners
Practitioners can leverage these findings to improve their approach to menstrual health and hygiene interventions. Here are some actionable steps:
- Implement educational programs that provide accurate information about menstruation, targeting both girls and their families.
- Advocate for improved WASH facilities in schools to ensure girls can manage menstruation with dignity and privacy.
- Work with community leaders to challenge and change harmful cultural practices, using evidence-based approaches.
- Engage policymakers to develop and enforce policies that support menstrual health and hygiene at all levels of the SEM.
Encouraging Further Research
While this review provides valuable insights, there are gaps in the evidence that need to be addressed. Future research should focus on:
- Evaluating the effectiveness of interventions at multiple SEM levels.
- Exploring the impact of menstrual health on mental health and educational outcomes.
- Including diverse populations, such as individuals with disabilities and those from marginalized communities, in research studies.
Conclusion
By understanding and addressing the multifaceted challenges of menstrual health and hygiene in Nepal, practitioners can contribute to significant improvements in the lives of women and girls. This systematic review provides a roadmap for creating effective, sustainable change through a socio-ecological lens.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Systematic review of menstrual health and hygiene in Nepal employing a social ecological model.
