Exploring people's understandings of menstruation: a review of qualitative evidence syntheses using mega-ethnography

Abstract

Menstrual understanding shapes both someone’s health outcomes and the more structural persistence of stigma in health contexts. To better consolidate insights on the current state of knowledge about menstrual understanding, the aim of this thesis is to provide a broad, foundational interpretation of qualitative syntheses of people’s understandings of menstruation. Using a mega-ethnographic approach, this research systematically reviews and interprets qualitative evidence syntheses (QES) on menstrual understanding. This review encompasses diverse populations and geographic regions, highlighting the role of family, peers, and educational systems in shaping menstrual knowledge and ideas. Findings reveal pervasive menstrual stigma, gaps in educational experience, a normalization of menstrual pain, an association to womanhood and sexuality, and competing expectations that inhibit effective health communication and treatment. By providing a broad-based synthesis of menstrual understanding, this research offers valuable insights for health practitioners, policymakers, and educators aiming to improve menstrual health outcomes. Study insights contribute to recommendations for further research on menstrual understanding and advocate for enhanced healthcare practitioner training to improve doctor-patient communication.