Exploring Menstrual Hygiene Management in Slums of Pakistan: A Qualitative Study on Knowledge, Behaviors, and Obstacles

Abstract

This qualitative study investigates difficulties encountered by women living in slums in managing menstrual hygiene. Despite being a natural biological phenomenon, menstruation, and its management poses numerous challenges to this vulnerable group and inversely affect their overall health and well-being The challenges may include menstrual hygiene-related knowledge gaps, and inadequate or insufficient resources and services. In this qualitative study, 18 women between the ages of 15 and 45 were chosen through purposive sampling from six slums of Lahore. In-depth interviews were conducted regarding their menstrual hygiene practices, knowledge, and difficulties. The findings reveal that obstacles in maintaining menstrual hygiene faced by women who reside in Lahore’s slums include poverty, insufficient or incorrect knowledge, and a lack of or inadequate access to clean water, sanitation, and affordable menstrual hygiene products and services. Additionally, cultural practices and social taboos surrounding menstruation also contribute to many unhygienic practices among these women.