Growth and development: physical, mental, and social aspects

Pubescent male students' attitudes towards menstruation in Taiwan: implications for reproductive health education and school nursing practice

AIM

To explore male students' attitudes towards menstruation.

BACKGROUND

Menstruation is a biological event that is often surrounded by secrecy and social stigma that causes anxiety amongst many young girls. A key element of this is the attitudes of young males towards this reproductive health issue. However, the literature around what young males think and feel about menstruation is limited.

DESIGN

Qualitative.

METHODS

A sample of 27 male students aged between 10-12 years participated in five focus groups. Data were then subject to a thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Five themes emerged from the data analysis that reflected the boys' feelings, experiences and attitudes towards menstruation: 'A silent topic', 'An unimportant issue', 'Errant information about menstruation'. In addition, according to their experience, participants gradually came to see menstruation from the 'menstrual stereotype' viewpoint. In their social life, they made choices that resulted in gradually regulating their behaviour that affected their 'relationships with girls'.

CONCLUSION

Young boys have misguided knowledge about menstruation and this helps to perpetuate the stigma surrounding this element of reproductive health. Boys also express a desire to learn more but are often restricted in this by home and school. School nurses are the best placed professionals to address this issue.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Menstrual education with boys should take a greater prominence than it often does in sexual health education in schools. Such inclusion will provide boys with a balanced and accurate knowledge base and therefore help towards reducing the social stigma around menstruation that is often experienced by young girls.

Menstrual and menarche experience among pubescent female students in Taiwan: implications for health education and promotion practice

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to explore the menarche and menstruation experiences of young females aged 10-12 years in elementary education in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND

Menarche is a significant milestone in a woman's life and for female adolescents it is a sharply defined biological event that can be a traumatic and uncomfortable time. If used, school nurses can make a significant contribution in educating young people and help to ameliorate these problems. Understanding how young women feel about menstruation is a central element to sexual health education practice.

DESIGN

A qualitative research design was employed using focus groups.

METHODS

Data were collected from 20 female students, aged between 10-12 years. Focus groups were recorded, transcribed and subject to a thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Three themes emerged from the data analysis reflecting the menstrual experience of participants. These were: 'Changing bodies: the physical effects of menarche and menstruation', 'Emotional issues: the psychological impact of menarche and menstruation' and 'Social dimensions of the menarche and menstruation'.

CONCLUSION

Our findings show that young females can experience significant physical and emotional difficulties around menstruation - many of which stem from poor information and the reactions of their peer group to menstrual activity. The potential for school nurses to contribute to this education is significant and schools should explore the manner in which nurses can contribute to this area of health education.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Nurses involved in health education work with young people and ensure that menstruation education addresses the social and psychological impact of the menarche as well as the physical elements of menstruation. Boys should not be absent from this education and the impact of their attitudes towards menstruation upon their female peers should be addressed in health education work.