Experiences of menstrual health and hygiene in humanitarian and emergency settings

Abstract Background Menstrual health and hygiene is a crucial area of research, increasingly recognised as a public health and human rights issue. Still, the menstrual health and hygiene needs of some of the most disadvantaged groups, including populations in humanitarian and emergency settings are often unmet. Aims To examine through a sustainable development goal lens the current state of knowledge about menstrual health and hygiene needs, as experienced by populations in humanitarian and emergency settings. Methods Eligible studies were identified through systematic searching in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science between March and July 2022, using a combination of terms relating to the experience of menstruation in emergency contexts. Included studies reported the lived experience of menstrual health and hygiene in humanitarian settings and presented qualitative findings. A conceptual framework connecting menstrual health and hygiene and sustainable development goals was employed to extract and analyze data. A qualitative meta-analysis approach was employed to aggregate and synthesize qualitative data. Results Eleven studies were included for review. Studies were conducted in Asia (n = 6), Africa, (n = 4), and Europe (n = 1) following natural disasters (n = 2), and in refugee camps among populations fleeing war or conflict (n = 9). Findings indicate an interconnection between menstrual health and hygiene and twelve sustainable development goals. Menstruation was reported as a negative experience. Barriers to adequate menstrual health and hygiene had significant commonalities despite geographical locations. Drying of menstrual products was reported as the most common barrier. Conclusions Menstrual periods do not cease to occur during conflict or natural disasters. The interconnection between experiences of menstrual health and hygiene and sustainable development goals should be considered if no one is to be left behind. Key messages • This review examines the lived experience of menstruation in populations in humanitarian and emergency settings, through a sustainable development goal lens, addressing a gap in the literature. • This review identifies barriers to menstrual health in humanitarian and emergency settings, highlighting how they may facilitate or hamper progress in achieving numerous sustainable development goals.