Hailey Sommerfeld, Utah Valley University
For the homeless population, life consists of balancing the daily needs of shelter, food, and safety with the management of health and health care needs. For homeless women of reproductive age, there is an even greater challenge due to their anatomy and physiology, and compromises in cleanliness due to menstruation. Very little research focusing on the needs and experiences of homeless women has been published, and even less research has focused specifically on their needs surrounding menstruation. In order for proper menstrual hygiene to be achieved, the minimum requirements include clean products and an access to materials for washing (soap, water, wipes, etc.,). The purpose of this survey-based study is to assess menstrual hygiene management of homeless women and determine if there are any unsatisfied needs, such as availability of products or accessibility to proper cleaning materials. Due to the social and emotional consequences that a deficit in resources may cause, the study will also explore the experiences and perceived difficulties a homeless woman might face in obtaining and maintaining these needs. Researching the impact that being homeless has on proper menstrual hygiene management will help to determine if there is a need for further intervention.