ERIC Number: EJ1483301
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025-Oct
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1059-8405
EISSN: EISSN-1546-8364
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Period Product Resources and Needs in Missouri Schools: Focus Group Discussions with School Nurses
Anne K. Sebert Kuhlmann1; Kirstin A. Palovick1; Casey Allen1; Mintesnot T. Teni1; Cheleia Marshall1
Journal of School Nursing, v41 n5 p604-614 2025
This study explored period product resources and needs in Missouri schools from the perspective of school nurses. We conducted eight focus groups with school nurses (n = 51) across Missouri using purposive sampling. Focus group data were analyzed in Dedoose via multiple coders and achieved strong inter-rater reliability (Cohen's Kappa = 0.92). Several interconnected themes with associated sub-themes were identified. First, school nurses do not have sufficient resources to help students manage menstruation and minimize menstruation-related absenteeism. Second, schools' heavy reliance on donations can lead to inconsistencies in supply and a mismatch between what is donated and what is most needed. Third, school nurses desire additional educational resources around menstruation management for students and caregivers. Nurse-identified themes can help inform recommendations for improving schools' response to students' menstrual hygiene needs by highlighting priorities for educational content, resources, and product acquisition with a goal of ensuring the suitability and sustainability of MHM in schools.
Descriptors: Females, Physiology, School Nurses, Resources, Health Needs, Student Needs, Attendance, Donors, Hygiene, Sex Education, Curriculum, Elementary Secondary Education, Puberty, Educational Needs
SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Missouri
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: 1College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA

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