Breaking Barriers: Assessing the Educational and Reproductive Health Implications of Period Poverty Among Secondary...

Period poverty remains a critical yet underrecognized barrier to adolescent girls' education, health, and psychosocial well-being. This review synthesizes current evidence on the educational, reproductive health, and psychosocial implications of period poverty among secondary school girls.

A narrative literature review was conducted using peer-reviewed articles and institutional reports published between 2015 and 2025. Studies examining menstrual hygiene management, access to menstrual products, school participation, reproductive health outcomes, and psychosocial impacts among adolescent girls were included. Thematic analysis was used to synthesize findings across settings.

Period poverty was consistently associated with school absenteeism, reduced classroom engagement, and poorer academic performance. Inadequate access to menstrual products and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities contributed to increased risks of reproductive and urinary tract infections. Psychosocial consequences included shame, anxiety, low self-esteem, and depressive symptoms, exacerbated by stigma and cultural taboos. Structural determinants, including poverty, weak school infrastructure, limited parental education, and policy gaps were key drivers. School-based interventions, community engagement, and health system involvement emerged as effective mitigation strategies.

Period poverty significantly undermines adolescents' educational attainment, health, and dignity. Multisectoral strategies integrating education, health services, WASH infrastructure, and community-based interventions are essential to promote menstrual equity and adolescent well-being. Addressing period poverty is fundamental to advancing gender equity and achieving global development goals.