Using an Interpretive Phenomenological Approach to Understand the Menstrual Experience of Young Adults

Background/Objectives: an estimated 1.8 billion people worldwide menstruate, and many face difficulties managing. Young adults often encounter stigma, exclusion, and a lack of resources to manage menstruation comfortably. A review of studies on college students revealed that menstrual symptoms and stigma lead to absenteeism, poorer performance at work and school, and decreased quality of life. This study examines the multifaceted perceptions of a diverse group of young adults aged 18-25 to gain a deeper understanding of the menstrual experience, including cultural stigma, to advocate for personalized care and policy change. Methods: we used snowball sampling and employed a qualitative research methodology integrating a Qualtrics survey (n = 620) and focus groups (n = 50). We used an interpretive phenomenological approach to thematically code participants' lived experiences by assigning codes to text segments and grouping them by broader themes using the Nvivo 14.23.3 software to understand the underlying meaning and significance of the data. Results: a diverse group of young adults completed the study. Key themes include difficulties attending work/school/social activities related to the physical and mental health challenges associated with menstruation, a cultural stigma, and a lack of access to healthcare and care products during menstruation. Quality of life could be improved with decreased stigma and improved self-care strategies. Limitations include the small sample size and the qualitative study design. Conclusions: this study highlights the need for a holistic approach to supporting menstruation. Recommendations include increasing access to menstrual healthcare, an understanding of cultural differences, and consideration of policy accommodations such as paid time off by workplaces and educational institutions related to menstruation.