Provision of menstrual products lowers school absenteeism in adolescent girls in coastal Kenya: findings from a quasi experimental study
The findings indicate that effective menstrual health management significantly improves school attendance among adolescent girls. Beyond product provision, addressing knowledge gaps, pain management, psychological support, and enhanced WASH infrastructure is essential. Increased awareness and open discussions about menstruation can also lead to positive outcomes. We recommend integrating comprehensive menstrual education into school curriculum, establishing sustainable menstrual product programs with complementary resources, and upgrading school WASH facilities to support female students.
Authors
- Lynette G. Kisaka (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4873-8058)
- Berrick Otieno (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5017-1671)
- Cameron Kays
- Kilian Mwadime
- Lindah Sanyanda
- Habibatou Traore
- Ishaq Makorani Y'Dhidha-a-Mjidho
- Marianne Darwinkel
- Mercedes Lu
- Wilhelm Hofstetter
Institutions
- University of Bern (CH)
- WWF Colombia (CO)
- University of Cape Coast (GH)
- University of Groningen (NL)
- Promundo (US)
- Pwani University (KE)
- Digital Research Alliance of Canada
Publication Details
- Journal
- Frontiers in Reproductive Health
- Published
- 2026-02-17
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3389/frph.2026.1717803
- Primary Topic
- Menstrual Health and Disorders
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- University of Bern