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Current Practice and Future Directions for Menstrual Health Education in Menstruating Adolescents

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Dissertation(1.41 MB)

Date

2024

Authors

Scott, Nicole

Supervisor

Atkins, Denise
Thompson, Kylie

Item type

Dissertation

Degree name

Master of Sport, Exercise and Health

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Publisher

Auckland University of Technology

Abstract

There is a growing concern that menstrual health education is not comprehensively addressed in New Zealand schools. The implementation of health education programmes is greatly varied across schools, and this makes it challenging to bring about changes or improvements in the education on menstrual health issues. Recent studies (Armento et al., 2022; Ciccia, Doyle, Huseth-Zosel & Seco-Turner, 2022; Zonjić et al., 2021) have shown that there is a need for new strategies and guidance for adolescent menstruators to better understand their bodies. By providing more comprehensive and holistic menstrual health education, menstruating adolescents can be well-informed about their health and seek guidance whenever necessary. This study aimed to identify what adolescents need to learn about menstrual health and the gaps in providing effective menstrual health education (MHE). Using a qualitative case study design, data was collected using individual semi-structured interviews with three Health and PE teachers (HPE) and one semi-structured focus group with five senior students. Critical theory was employed to understand power imbalances and oppressive structures within education. Additionally, the theory, mana wāhine, was used as a lens to shine a light on the students’ voices to whakamana (empower) their menstruating bodies and their shared experiences. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data, which generated two major themes and ten sub-themes. The findings have demonstrated that menstrual cycles continue to be a subject of shame and stigma in modern society. The problem is rooted in the social and cultural influences that shape the way adolescents and society perceive bodies. In their quest to conform to societal pressures, adolescents make choices that can harm their menstrual health. However, there is a significant opportunity to educate menstruating adolescents about the power and importance of good menstrual health. Specifically, incorporating te ao Māori understandings of menstruation could help to eliminate the shame and stigma associated with menstruation. Further research on menstrual health education in schools has the potential to provide a deeper understanding of the current state of menstrual health education and how it could be improved.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10292/18220

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Masters Dissertations