title: "Bitten By Shyness": Menstrual Hygiene Management, Sanitation, and the Quest for Privacy in South Africa.
abstract: Little is known about how menstruation is managed in low-income settings and whether existing sanitation systems meet women's needs. Using the 'Photovoice' method with 21 women in participatory workshops and in-depth interviews, we collected data on menstrual hygiene management in three sites in Durban, South Africa. All women reported using disposable sanitary pads. Although they were aware that disposable pads were nonbiodegradable, incompatible with waterborne flush systems, and fill up pit latrines, they had little experience with reusable products. Considerable energy was devoted to concealing and containing 'menstrual waste,' and women expressed concern about inadequate privacy during menstruation. All sites lacked discreet disposal options and reliable water access, while outdoor sanitation facilities were considered unsafe. Findings highlight the need for advocacy to improve safety and privacy of facilities for women in this setting.
authors.affiliation: a Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (WRHI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand , Johannesburg , South Africa.
authors.forename: Fiona
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Scorgie
authors.affiliation: b PATH , Seattle , Washington , USA.
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Foster
authors.affiliation: a Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (WRHI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand , Johannesburg , South Africa.
authors.forename: Jonathan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Stadler
authors.affiliation: c Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa , Congella , South Africa.
authors.forename: Thokozile
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Phiri
authors.affiliation: d Evans School of Public Affairs, University of Washington , Seattle , Washington , USA.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Hoppenjans
authors.affiliation: a Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (WRHI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand , Johannesburg , South Africa.
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Rees
authors.affiliation: b PATH , Seattle , Washington , USA.
authors.forename: Nancy
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Muller
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D060432:Anthropology, Medical; D005260:Female; D053566:Hygiene Products; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice / Q000208:ethnology*; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene; D008598:Menstruation / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology*; D011203:Poverty; D018907:Privacy; D012792:Shyness; D013019:South Africa; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Low-income settings; South Africa; menstrual hygiene products; privacy; sanitation