The impact of menstruation on the well-being of female students in a private higher education institution in South Africa- A qualitative study

Abstract

Introduction

Menstrual health needs to be recognized as a health issue, and not only as a hygiene problem. It affects the health

and wellbeing of women, especially young women in higher education institutions. It leads to absenteeism and

further adds to the existing high stress that students already have. Therefore, this study sought to explore the

impacts of menstrual health/ menstruation on the well-being and academic performance of students in a private

higher education institution in South Africa.

Methods

A case study was conducted using a qualitative approach. A total of 10 female students from a private higher

education institution, a private higher Institution in South Africa were interviewed using the in-depth semi

structured interview method. The participants’ age ranged from 20 to 24 years old and the average age of

menarche was 13 years old. Thematic analysis was used to analyse that data collected,

Results

Six themes were generated and these included, i) Negative menstrual experiences, ii) Perception on physical

appearance, iii) Impact on mental wellbeing, iv) Impact of academic performance and v) Coping mechanisms and

1. vi) Recommendations proposed by the participants.

Conclusion

The study showed that menstruation could affect mental, physical and social wellbeing of higher education

institution of students. As the focus was on female students, a supportive environment is required to educate and

support those using effective strategies to benefit their academic performance. It is also important to understand

the coping mechanism adopted by female students towards their menstrual health. This will help with the decision

making by the policy makers.