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. 2024 Apr 22;21(1):56.
doi: 10.1186/s12978-024-01789-y.

High uptake of menstrual health information, products and analgesics within an integrated sexual reproductive health service for young people in Zimbabwe

Mandikudza Tembo  1   2   3 , Victoria Simms  4 , Helen A Weiss  4 , Tsitsi Bandason  5 , Nicol Redzo  5 , Leyla Larsson  5   6 , Ethel Dauya  5 , Tafadzwa Nzanza  5 , Pauline Ishumael  5 , Nancy Gweshe  5 , Rangarirai Nyamwanza  5 , Precious Ndlovu  5 , Sarah Bernays  7   8 , Chido Dziva Chikwari  4   5 , Constancia Vimbayi Mavodza  5   9 , Jenny Renju  4 , Suzanna C Francis  4 , Rashida A Ferrand  5   10 , Constance Mackworth-Young  5   7
Affiliations

High uptake of menstrual health information, products and analgesics within an integrated sexual reproductive health service for young people in Zimbabwe

Mandikudza Tembo et al. Reprod Health. .

Abstract

Background: Despite being integral to women's well-being, achieving good menstrual health (MH) remains a challenge. This study examined MH services uptake (including information, analgesics, and a choice of MH products - the menstrual cup and reusable pads) and sustained use of MH products within an integrated sexual and reproductive health intervention for young people in Zimbabwe.

Methods: This mixed-methods study was nested within a cluster randomised trial of integrated sexual and reproductive health services (CHIEDZA) for youth in three provinces (Harare, Mashonaland East, and Bulawayo). The study collected qualitative and quantitative data from 27,725 female clients aged 16-24 years, who accessed CHIEDZA from April 2019 - March 2022. Using a biometric (fingerprint recognition) identification system, known as SIMPRINTS, uptake of MH information, products, and analgesics and other services was tracked for each client. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to investigate MH service uptake and product choice and use over time, and the factors associated with these outcomes. Thematic analysis of focus group discussions and interviews were used to further explore providers' and participants' experiences of the MH service and CHIEDZA intervention.

Results: Overall, 36,991 clients accessed CHIEDZA of whom 27,725 (75%) were female. Almost all (n = 26,448; 95.4%) took up the MH service at least once: 25433 took up an MH product with the majority (23,346; 92.8%) choosing reusable pads. The uptake of cups varied across province with Bulawayo province having the highest uptake (13.4%). Clients aged 20-24 years old were more likely to choose cups than reusable pads compared with those aged 16-19 years (9.4% vs 6.0%; p < 0.001). Over the implementation period, 300/1819 (16.5%) of clients swapped from the menstrual cup to reusable pads and 83/23346 (0.4%) swapped from reusable pads to the menstrual cup. Provision of the MH service encouraged uptake of other important SRH services. Qualitative findings highlighted the provision of free integrated SRH and MH services that included a choice of MH products and analgesics in a youth-friendly environment were key to high uptake and overall female engagement with SRH services.

Conclusions: High uptake demonstrates how the MH service provided much needed access to MH products and information. Integration of MH within an SRH intervention proved central to young women accessing other SRH services.

Keywords: Adolescents; Community-based; Integrated services; Menstrual health; Menstruation.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Uptake of MH service disaggregated by MH service components
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
MH product choice stratified by province and age group
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
CHIEDZA services uptake among female clients who took up MH services at first visit vs those who did not take up MH services at first visit
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