Period Poverty and Associated Factors Among Reproductive-Age Individuals in Primary Healthcare Settings in Türkiye: A Cross-Sectional Study
Global Social Welfare, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s40609-026-00486-x
- Dergi Adı: Global Social Welfare
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Menstrual hygiene products, Menstruation, Poverty, Socioeconomic disparities in health
- Eskişehir Osmangazi Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Period poverty is a multifaceted issue characterized by limited access to menstrual products, hygiene facilities, and education, compounded by stigma. This study aimed to evaluate period poverty and its associated factors in primary healthcare settings. This cross-sectional quantitative study evaluated period poverty and associated factors among 564 menstruating individuals (aged 18–49) attending family healthcare centers in Eskişehir, Türkiye. A two-stage sampling approach was utilized, involving purposive site selection followed by consecutive participant recruitment. Data were collected with a questionnaire form including socioeconomic factors, Menstrual Poverty Scale (MPS) and Poverty Scale (PS). The data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests and Spearman’s correlation. Approximately 22% (95%CI: 18.9–25.8%) of participants experienced period poverty. Period poverty was significantly higher among individuals aged 40–49 (p = 0.017), with no formal education (p = 0.008), working in unstable jobs (p = 0.014), with household income at or below the minimum wage (p < 0.001), and with more than three children (p = 0.014). A significant, moderate negative correlation was found between PS and MPS, indicating that lower economic levels are associated with higher period poverty. Additionally, higher levels of economic poverty were associated with more difficulty accessing hygienic products, greater embarrassment, and less access to menstrual information and education, although no significant relationship was found with quality of life. These findings highlight the need for multi-layered interventions. At the primary healthcare level, integrating free product distribution and structured education can offer immediate support; however, broader policy responses must address underlying socioeconomic inequalities.