Male engagement in menstrual care: evidence from boys and young men in urban slums in Mumbai

Menstrual health and rights are increasingly recognised as not solely women's issues, yet in patriarchal settings, boys and men remain excluded from menstruation-related matters. Evidence on their supportive roles, particularly in resource-poor settings, remains limited. We examined the support provided by boys and young men to mothers and sisters during menstruation in a disadvantaged urban context in India and identifed factors associated with supportiveness. Data came from a menstrual health management study in the slums of Mumbai. Analysis was based on quantitative data from 447 unmarried boys and young men aged 15-24 years that assessed menstruation-related knowledge, adherence to traditional norms, agency in everyday life, and supportive behaviours. In-depth interviews with 20 parents provided context relating to family interaction. Overall, 56% of respondents supported their mothers or sisters by performing household chores, bringing food or medicines, or purchasing menstrual products. Greater awareness was associated with increased odds of support (AOR: 1.34), as were rejecting menstrual impurity norms (AOR: 2.02) and more modestly, displaying agency (AOR: 1.33). Findings underscore the need for comprehensive sexuality education for boys that builds awareness, challenges prevailing norms and stigma, and promotes supportive practices.