Period Poverty, Socio-Cultural Restrictions and Menstrual Hygiene Behaviour of Female Adolescents in the Contemporary Society

This paper discussed period poverty, socio-cultural restrictions and menstrual hygiene behaviour of female adolescents. Period poverty is the inaccessibility of menstrual products, safe hygienic spaces to use them and the right to manage menstruation without shame or stigma. The paper noted that period poverty can affect girls' education, wellbeing and lives, and that lack of data and limited research remain major challenges. In Nigeria, period poverty is linked to widespread poverty and poor economic conditions. It may increase the risk of urogenital infections and negatively affect mental health. Measures suggested include availability of menstrual products, investment in public health infrastructure, incorporation of menstrual health in the curriculum and more research on the topic.