Menstrual poverty, menstrual attitudes, and genital hygiene behaviors among adolescents: a cross-sectional study

Background. This study aimed to examine the relationships between menstrual poverty, menstrual attitudes, and genital hygiene behaviors among adolescents, and to evaluate the influence of socio-demographic factors. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 215 adolescent girls aged 15–19 years in Türkiye. Data were collected online using a questionnaire including socio-demographic information and three validated scales: Menstrual Poverty Scale (MPS), Menstrual Attitude Questionnaire (MAQ), and Genital Hygiene Behavior Scale (GHBS). Descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlations, and multiple linear regression analyses were performed. Results. The mean age at menarche was 12.55 ± 1.16 years. MPS scores indicated moderate menstrual poverty, with the poorest scores for product access. MAQ scores were highest for Anticipation and Prediction and lowest for Denial of Any Effect, while GHBS averaged 87.11 ± 10.15. Associations between menstrual attitudes and hygiene behaviors were weak. Reporting stigma or shame, rather than economic reasons, as the main barrier to accessing menstrual products predicted lower menstrual poverty scores (adjusted R2 = 6.9%). Menstrual irregularity was the only independent predictor of genital hygiene behaviors (adjusted R2 = 12.9%). Conclusions. Menstrual poverty and genital hygiene behaviors were only partly explained by the variables examined. Economic barriers remained relevant to menstrual poverty, whereas menstrual irregularity was independently associated with higher genital hygiene behavior scores. Menstrual attitudes showed limited independent associations with the outcomes. The modest explanatory power of both regression models suggests that broader structural, familial, educational, and environmental factors should be considered. Interventions should combine affordable access to menstrual products with comprehensive menstrual education and supportive family, school, and community environments.