The Psychosocial and Mental Burden of Menstruation on Adolescent Girls in Nepal

Minakshi Dahal, University of Bath
Mahesh Puri, Center for Research on Environment Health and Population Activities (CREHPA), Nepal
Fran Amery, University of Bath
Melanie Channon, University of Bath

Menstruation, a biological process marking the transition from childhood to adulthood, is often stigmatized and misunderstood in many societies, including Nepal. Cultural taboos and harmful social norms around menstruation negatively affect the physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being of adolescent girls. This study explores the psychosocial and mental health impacts of menstruation on girls in Nepal, where such taboos and restrictions are widespread. This paper draws on qualitative data from 13 FGDs conducted between December 2023 and January 2024 with adolescent girls aged 13-18 from Surkhet and Kaski districts of Nepal. The data were transcribed, translated, and analyzed using thematic analysis in NVivo 14. Findings show that girls in both districts experience various menstrual restrictions. The girls from Surkhet also experienced Chhaupadi (confinement to menstrual huts). These restrictions led to fear, isolation, and anxiety, related to safety and inadequate menstrual hygiene. The girls expressed fear of staining clothes at school which impacted their concentration and participation in class. Dismissive attitudes toward menstrual pain further elevated their stress and anxiety. This study highlights that menstruation is not just a biological process but also social experience with significant psychosocial impacts. Societal change, improved hygiene infrastructure, and education are essential to alleviate these burdens.

Keywords: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Children, Adolescents, and Youth, Mixed methods research

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