Experience of female wheelchair users’ personal hygiene management during menstruation

Abstract

Background: Menstruation is a regular occurrence and natural part of life for all girls and women of reproductive age. During the menstrual cycle, females go through a variety of experiences and add new burdens to their lives. For women with disabilities, the menstruation cycle added additional burden. Moreover, when they used wheelchairs, it added more burden. Women who use wheelchairs describe a variety of experiences, needs, and levels of discrimination when they are menstruating, but little evidence exists. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of female wheelchair users’ personal hygiene management during menstruation. Methods: The phenomenological approach of qualitative research design was chosen to conduct this study. Ten females who have been using wheelchair for any disabilities or illness causing disability were included by purposive sampling. Data was collected by conducting face-to-face in-depth semi structured interview through a self-developed interview guide. Data was analysed by thematic analysis according Braun and Clark’s six steps. Results: The findings explored in-depth information regarding experiences of female with wheelchair users related to menstruation with twelve themes: i) Understanding of menstruation, ii) Physical disability double burdens the menstruation, iii) Pre and menstrual symptoms, iv) Period product, v) Personal hygiene routine, vi) Barriers, vii) Physical and psychological health impact, viii) Stigma, taboos, and religious restriction, ix) Food habit, x) Role of support system, xi) Coping strategies, xii) Recommendation. Conclusion: In Bangladesh, women who use wheelchairs have described a wide range of menstrual-related issues. Managing menstruation hygiene issues is particularly difficult due to the additional disability discrimination and impairment experienced. Female wheelchair users face a variety of stigmas, taboos, and restrictions when they are menstruating. Research on these subjects is required in a variety of settings, and menstrual hygiene management therapies must be tailored to the particular disability and the requirements of carers. Key words: Experience, Wheelchair users, Menstruation, Menstruation hygiene management, Personal hygiene management.