Menstrual health challenges and associated barriers among tribal adolescent girls in India: A systematic review
- 1Department of Community Medicine, Manipal Tata Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
- 2Odisha University of Health Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India
- 3Centre for Digital Health, Applied Research and Technology, Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
Abstract
Introduction: Menstrual health is a critical yet neglected public health issue among tribal adolescent girls in India, influenced by socio-cultural, economic, and infrastructural determinants. This review aimed to explore the key menstrual health challenges, barriers, and associated outcomes among tribal adolescent girls in India. Methods: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was performed across PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for studies published between January 2015 and March 2026. Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies focusing on menstrual health among tribal adolescent girls in India were included. Study selection, data extraction, and quality appraisal were conducted independently by multiple reviewers. Methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tools. Due to heterogeneity, a narrative synthesis approach was adopted. Results: Out of 197 identified records, 28 studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings reveal significant disparities in menstrual health management driven by socioeconomic status, education, cultural taboos, and infrastructural limitations. Key challenges included limited access to sanitary products, inadequate WASH facilities, and poor awareness. Cultural stigma and restrictive practices contributed to psychological distress and unsafe hygiene behaviours. These barriers were associated with adverse outcomes such as reproductive tract infections and increased school absenteeism. The quality appraisal indicated overall moderate to high methodological rigour, with most studies demonstrating acceptable quality despite some limitations related to study design and reporting. Conclusion: Menstrual health among tribal adolescent girls remains a significant public health concern in India. Addressing these challenges requires integrated, culturally sensitive interventions focusing on education, improved infrastructure, and equitable access to menstrual health services to enhance health outcomes and well-being.
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BibTeX
@article{raj2026menstrual,
title = {{Menstrual health challenges and associated barriers among tribal adolescent girls in India: A systematic review}},
author = {Rohit Raj and Jarina Begum and Syed Irfan Ali and Manasee Panda and Vani Lakshmi R},
journal = {PLOS One},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0360401},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0360401},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Menstrual health challenges and associated barriers among tribal adolescent girls in India: A systematic review
AU - Rohit Raj
AU - Jarina Begum
AU - Syed Irfan Ali
AU - Manasee Panda
AU - Vani Lakshmi R
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/12
JO - PLOS One
DO - 10.1371/journal.pone.0360401
UR - https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0360401
AB - Introduction: Menstrual health is a critical yet neglected public health issue among tribal adolescent girls in India, influenced by socio-cultural, economic, and infrastructural determinants. This review aimed to explore the key menstrual health challenges, barriers, and associated outcomes among tribal adolescent girls in India. Methods: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was performed across PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for studies published between January 2015 and March 2026. Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies focusing on menstrual health among tribal adolescent girls in India were included. Study selection, data extraction, and quality appraisal were conducted independently by multiple reviewers. Methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tools. Due to heterogeneity, a narrative synthesis approach was adopted. Results: Out of 197 identified records, 28 studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings reveal significant disparities in menstrual health management driven by socioeconomic status, education, cultural taboos, and infrastructural limitations. Key challenges included limited access to sanitary products, inadequate WASH facilities, and poor awareness. Cultural stigma and restrictive practices contributed to psychological distress and unsafe hygiene behaviours. These barriers were associated with adverse outcomes such as reproductive tract infections and increased school absenteeism. The quality appraisal indicated overall moderate to high methodological rigour, with most studies demonstrating acceptable quality despite some limitations related to study design and reporting. Conclusion: Menstrual health among tribal adolescent girls remains a significant public health concern in India. Addressing these challenges requires integrated, culturally sensitive interventions focusing on education, improved infrastructure, and equitable access to menstrual health services to enhance health outcomes and well-being.
SN - 1932-6203
ER -