Aspects of menstrual health in the university setting

Authors

  • Gabrieli Menegueli Lambrine Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto - EERP, Departamento Materno Infantil e Saúde Pública - DEMISP. Ribeirão Preto, SP - Brasil. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5763-9719
  • Brenda Magalhaes Arantes Universidade Federal de Uberlândia - UFU. Hospital de Clínicas de Uberlândia – HCU. Uberlândia, MG- Brasil. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0337-8773
  • Mônica Maria de Jesus Silva Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto - EERP, Departamento Materno Infantil e Saúde Pública - DEMISP. Ribeirão Preto, SP - Brasil. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4532-3992
  • Nayara Gonçalves Barbosa Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Escola de Enfermagem – EE, Departamento Materno-Infantil e Psiquiátrica - ENP. São Paulo, Brasil. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3646-4133
  • Thais Oliveira Gozzo Universidade de São Paulo - USP, Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto - EERP, Departamento Materno Infantil e Saúde Pública - DEMISP. Ribeirão Preto, SP - Brasil. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7687-9459

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5935/2316-9389.2026.v30.60326

Keywords:

Menstruation, Menstruation Disturbances, Dysmenorrhea, Premenstrual Syndrome, Menstrual Hygiene Products, Women´s Health, Universities, Students, Student Health, Observational Study, Cross-Sectional Studies

Abstract

Objective: to describe aspects of menstrual health and menstrual hygiene management among university students who menstruate. Method: observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted in a virtual setting between September 2022 and July 2023, with university students aged 18 and older enrolled at the University of São Paulo in Ribeirão Preto. Data were collected via an electronic questionnaire containing sociodemographic questions, as well as questions regarding menstrual health and menstrual hygiene management. Descriptive analyses were conducted, including frequency calculations and measures of central tendency. Results: the study included a total of 212 participants; 95.8% identified as women, with a mean age of 22 years (SD = 2.26). Frequent menstrual pain was reported by 43.4% of the participants, and 78.8% reported using pain relievers. Regarding academic impact, 41.0% reported difficulty concentrating during menstruation, and 17.0% reported missing classes on some occasions. Regarding management, 39.6% used products for extended periods due to a lack of adequate facilities for replacement, and 16.5% used non-menstrual materials due to a lack of products. Conclusion: menstruation significantly impacts the daily lives and academic performance of college students, highlighting the need to strengthen health education initiatives and institutional strategies that promote dignity and adequate menstrual care in the university setting.

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Additional Files

Published

2026-06-22

Issue

Vol. 30 (2026)

Section

Research

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How to Cite

1.
Lambrine GM, Arantes BM, Silva MM de J, Barbosa NG, Gozzo TO. Aspects of menstrual health in the university setting. REME Rev Min Enferm. [Internet]. 2026 Jun. 22 [cited 2026 Jul. 22];30. Available from: https://periodicos.ufmg.br/index.php/reme/article/view/60326