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Published on: August 30, 2021
Women's attitudes about menstruation and associated health and behavioral characteristics
Lynn A Morrison1, Louona Larkspur, Marites J Calibuso
1Department of Anthropology, University of Hawaii at Hilo, HI 96720-4091, USA. lmorriso@hawaii.edu
Objective:
To examine the relationships between attitudes towards menstruation, health, and behavioral characteristics.
Methods:
The 136 women who completed questionnaires varied in their sexual activity, sexual orientation, and use of hormonal contraception.
Results:
Women's estimated cycle length was accurate when compared to observed cycle length (F (3,156) = .05; P = .98). Smokers had decreased durations of flow (P < .01). Depo-Provera users were less likely to view menstruation as natural compared to abstinent, sexually active heterosexuals or those using traditional oral contraception (F (5,141) = 2.43; P = .04).
Conclusions:
Hormonal contraception use, but not sexual orientation, was associated with attitudes about menstruation.
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