ArticlePLOS global public health2026
Menstrual stigma and mental health for adolescent girls in South Sudan: A cross-sectional analysis.
Article in PLOS global public health, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
0 citing papers in PubMed.
No citing paper in PubMed yet.
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
8 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
Menstrual stigma, characterized by negative beliefs, attitudes, and practices surrounding menstruation, often leads to the social exclusion and discrimination of menstruators. The intersection of menstrual stigma and period poverty, which is marked by limited access to menstrual hygiene products and safe sanitation has a profound impact on the mental health and well-being of adolescent girls, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimedto examine the associations between menstrual stigma and mental health (Mood and Feelings Questionnaire) among female adolescents aged 10-20 in primary schools in Panyijar County, South Sudan. Cross-sectional baseline data were analyzed from a school safety evaluation using unadjusted and adjusted linear regression models In unadjusted analyses, knowing whether female classmates had their period was significantly associated with poorer mental health (β = 1.75, p < 0.001). Feeling ashamed if boys knew about one's period was also associated with poorer mental health (β = 1.49, p = 0.05). In individually adjusted models, ajusting for demographic characteristics, feeling the need to hide one's period was associated with better mental health (β = -1.80, p = 0.02). In fully adjusted models, which included all stigma variables and demographic controls, hiding one's period remained significantly associated with mental health (β = -1.99, p = 0.04), while knowing when a classmate had their period showed a marginal association with poorer mental health (β = 0.88, p = 0.08). Disability was significantly associated with poorer mental health (β = 2.52, p < 0.01), while displacement showed a marginal association (β = 0.84, p = 0.06). No other demographic variables retained significance. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive strategies that address menstrual stigma and its impact on mental health, including interventions that challenge harmful social norms, promote safe latrine environments, and ensure access to hygiene products and menstrual education.
Identifiers
What OpenQuestion holds
Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.