Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Towards Teaching of Menstruation and Sexual Health Among Parents of Middle School Students

Abstract

Menarche (the onset of menstruation), along with puberty in general, presents as a trying time for adolescents as they adjust to changes occurring in their bodies. Family life and sexual education are imperative during this transitional stage as they set the foundation for future reproductive health decisions adolescents may make. Prior research on menstruation and menstrual health has primarily focused on rural populations in developing countries; few studies on this topic have been conducted in the United States (U.S.). The findings of these studies show disparities in knowledge related to menstruation and menstrual health among different racial and socio-economic groups in the U.S. We added to current literature by conducting a mixed-method study to investigate knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and parenting practices related to menstruation and sexual health education among the parents of middle school students in the U.S. We conducted an online study and collected survey data from parents of middle school students, followed by qualitative interviews with select parents (those who opted-in for this portion) to gain further insight into the attitudes and sentiments regarding menstruation and menstrual health.