Economic insecurity, access to menstrual materials, and sexual coercion: a qualitative study among adolescent schoolgirls in Ibadan, Nigeria.

backgroundMenstrual hygiene management (MHM) is a critical but often overlooked component of adolescent girls’ health. Limited access to financial resources for purchasing menstrual materials is a key barrier to adequate MHM. Few studies have examined how adolescent girls obtain materials, how economic insecurity may affect MHM, and whether this promotes reliance on male partners for financial means to purchase materials. Prior research has linked dependence on male partners for basic needs like food with increased risk of sexual coercion, yet little is known about whether dependence on male partners for menstrual materials carries similar risks. This study examined MHM among adolescent girls, focusing on how economic insecurity may drive girls’ reliance on male partners for menstrual materials and potential exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV).

methodsWe conducted one-on-one interviews with 38 adolescent girls ages 15–19 from eight schools in low-income communities of Ibadan, Nigeria. Data was gathered on menstrual hygiene practices, access to and affordability of menstrual materials, and how relationships with male partners influence access to menstrual materials. Conversational analysis was conducted using QInsights BV to identify key themes, patterns, and insights from textual data.

resultsA total of 38 adolescent girls were interviewed. Participants’ mean age was 16 years, half were currently in relationships, and 31% worked for an income alongside attending school. Emergent themes showed mothers typically provided menstrual materials or money to pay for materials. Participants also reported borrowing money from friends and relying on support from family members such as sisters, aunts, and grandmothers for menstrual materials. Some participants reported receiving money from male partners to purchase pads. Of these, several described being sexually pressured in exchange for financial support.

conclusionsOur research suggests limited access to menstrual materials may contribute to girls’ financial reliance on male partners, potentially increasing vulnerability to sexual coercion. Our study is among the first to qualitatively examine how menstrual health insecurity may foster financial dependence on male partners and, in turn, heighten vulnerability to sexual coercion. Future research and programs should address the intersection of MHM, reliance on male partners, and IPV.