背景:在美国经历无家可归(PEH)的人面临与月经有关的重大挑战,COVID-19大流行加剧了这种情况。对期间产品的访问有限,污名加剧,和妇科挑战有助于增加PEH的困难,强调需要改善服务和政策,以解决这一弱势群体的时期公平和总体福祉问题。
方法:我们对PEH(n=12)和社区医疗保健和社会服务提供商(例如,案件经理,庇护所主任,社区卫生工作者,和护士,n=12)在拉斐特,印第安纳州,位于美国印第安纳波利斯和芝加哥之间的城市。我们使用主题分析技术进行数据分析。
结果:PEH对产品的访问权限有限,服务,和安全的空间阻碍了在限制性社区环境中有效的月经管理。尽管社区医疗保健和服务提供商提供了一些支持,与医疗保健系统的复杂互动,污名,有限的进入空间加剧了障碍。COVID-19大流行通过关闭公共场所进一步加剧了这些困难,不断恶化的经济状况,并使服务提供商资源紧张。
结论:结果强调了美国在月经管理资源和服务方面的关键组织和政策差距,强调需要更好地融入PEH的健康和福祉计划。这些见解将推动生殖和公共卫生研究,阐明PEH在管理印第安纳州月经方面面临的差异,并为解决这些障碍的国家话语做出贡献。在复杂的公共卫生环境中,特别是在大流行期间和之后,优先考虑月经健康对所有人的整体健康仍然至关重要,包括那些无家可归的人。
BACKGROUND: People experiencing homelessness (PEH) in the United States face substantial challenges related to menstruation, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Limited access to period products, heightened stigma, and gynecological challenges contribute to increased hardships for PEH, highlighting the need for improved services and policies to address period equity and overall well-being for this vulnerable population.
METHODS: We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with PEH (n = 12) and community healthcare and social service providers (e.g., case managers, shelter directors, community health workers, and nurses, n = 12) in Lafayette, Indiana, a city located between Indianapolis and Chicago in the United States. We used thematic analysis techniques for data analysis.
RESULTS: PEH\'s limited access to products, services, and safe spaces hindered effective menstruation management within restrictive community contexts. Although community healthcare and service providers offered some support, complex interactions with the healthcare system, stigma, and limited access to spaces exacerbated barriers. The COVID-19 pandemic further intensified these difficulties by closing public spaces, worsening economic conditions, and straining service provider resources.
CONCLUSIONS: Results highlight critical organizational and policy gaps in the United States for menstruation management resources and services, emphasizing the need for better integration into health and well-being programs for PEH. These insights will advance reproductive and public health research, shedding light on the disparities faced by PEH in managing menstruation in Indiana and contributing to the national discourse on addressing these barriers. Amid the complex landscape of public health, particularly during and after the pandemic, prioritizing menstrual health remains essential for all individuals\' overall well-being, including those experiencing homelessness.