"Your Pride is Bleeding Out:" A Mixed Methods Analysis on Mental Health, Self-Image, and Period Poverty in Single-Income Women in Columbus, Ohio
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Date
2025-05
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The Ohio State University
Abstract
Menstruation is a biological process where the uterus sheds lining each month and it is a common occurrence for women across the globe. Though menstrual cycles, more colloquially known as periods, have been around since the dawn of time, they are historically treated as something shameful or bothersome. This mixed-methods study examines the relationship between period poverty, mental health, and self-image amongst single-income women in Columbus, Ohio. A sample of 9 women completed an anxiety screening, depression screening, a menstrual health questionnaire, and 20-minute interview about their experiences menstruating on a fixed income. Results show a strong positive correlation between anxiety and depression in this sample. There was a weak correlation between mental health scores and menstrual health scores, but interviews presented themes of low self-esteem and heightened anxiety surrounding period poverty. Interviews showed that the participants expressed feelings of embarrassment, worthlessness, and stress when experiencing period poverty. Women reported making financial sacrifices to afford period products and often felt less sociable when menstruating without proper protection. Pantries and free products in public have been helpful for participants, but all participants feel there is not enough being done to address period poverty on a policy level. Almost all participants recall instances of using replacements, like baby diapers or toilet paper, in absence of products. Poor self-image relating to period poverty was centered more around financial insecurity for menstrual health rather than experiencing periods itself. Future studies may focus on the impact of racial identity relating to mental health, period poverty, and menstrual product accessibility.
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Keywords
Period poverty, Mental health, Women's health, Menstrual equity, Gender inquality, Health disparities