Product-Access Challenges to Menstrual Health Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic Among A Cohort of Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Nairobi, Kenya
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Date
2022
Authors
Wood, Shannon N.
Milkovich, Rachel
Thiongo, Mary
Byrne, Meagan E.
Devoto, Bianca
Wamue-Ngare, Grace
Decker, Michele R.
Gichangi, Peter
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier Ltd
Abstract
(AGYW). Among AGYW in Nairobi, Kenya, this prospective mixed-methods study characterised menstrual health
product-access challenges at two time points during the COVID-19 pandemic; assessed trajectories over the pandemic;
and examined factors associated with product-access trajectories.
Methods Data were collected from an AGYW cohort in August−October 2020 and March−June 2021 (n=591). The
prevalence of menstrual health product-access challenges was calculated per timepoint, with trajectories characterizing
product-access challenges over time. Logistic regression models examined associations with any product-access
challenge throughout the pandemic; multinomial and logistic regressions further assessed factors associated with
trajectories. Qualitative data contextualize results.
Findings In 2020, 52¢0% of AGYW experienced a menstrual health product-access challenge; approximately six
months later, this proportion dropped to 30¢3%. Product-access challenges during the pandemic were heightened
for AGYW with secondary or lower education (aOR=2¢40; p<0¢001), living with parents (aOR=1¢86; p=0¢05), not
the prime earner (aOR=2¢27; p=0¢05); and unable to meet their basic needs (aOR=2¢25; p<0¢001). Between timepoints,
38¢0% experienced no product-access challenge and 31¢7% resolved, however, 10¢2% acquired a challenge
and 20¢1% experienced sustained challenges. Acquired product-access challenges, compared to no challenges, were
concentrated among those living with parents (aOR=3¢21; p=0¢05); multinomial models further elucidated nuances.
Qualitative data indicate deprioritization of menstrual health within household budgets as a contributor.
Interpretation Menstrual health product-access challenges are prevalent among AGYW during the pandemic; barriers
were primarily financial. Results may reflect endemic product-access gaps amplified by COVID-specific constraints.
Ensuring access to menstrual products is essential to ensure AGYW’s health needs.
Description
article
Keywords
Menstrual health, COVID-19, Adolescent girls and young women, Kenya
Citation
Wood, S. N., Milkovich, R., Thiongo, M., Byrne, M. E., Devoto, B., Wamue-Ngare, G., ... & Gichangi, P. (2022). Product-access challenges to menstrual health throughout the COVID-19 pandemic among a cohort of adolescent girls and young women in Nairobi, Kenya. EClinicalMedicine, 49.