"Menstrual hygiene perceptions and need for free sanitary products: a cross-sectional study in a UAE university...

Menstrual health and hygiene play a vital role in the overall well-being and empowerment of women. Despite its importance, approximately 500 million women globally lack access to menstrual products and proper hygiene facilities, primarily due to financial constraints. Many resort to alternatives such as cloth, cotton, or tissue, which impacts their health, mental well-being, and academic or career progression due to absenteeism caused by the fear of leakage and embarrassment.

To assess the perception of both females and males on the need for freely available sanitary products in educational institutions, and examine the association between lack of access and its effects on mental, physical, and social health.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 participants in a university and affiliated hospital in Ajman, UAE. A validated questionnaire was used, and data were analyzed using SPSS version 28. Both descriptive and inferential statistics, including Chi-square tests, were applied.

84% of female participants agreed on the need for free sanitary products in educational institutions. Over 65% reported missing academic or social events due to menstruation-related inconveniences. Around 73% had to borrow pads/tampons from others, and nearly 43% found the topic of menstruation embarrassing to discuss. More than 46% agreed that access to free products would help reduce stigma and improve health and participation.

The majority of participants supported the availability of free sanitary products in educational institutions. Improving access can enhance the academic, social, and emotional well-being of female students, contributing to gender equity and empowerment.