Menstrual stigma and the role of culture and religion in the south Asian diaspora: a cross-sectional study of a nationwide cohort
6 affiliations
- 1School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , , ,
- 2Clinical Affairs Department, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation , , ,
- 3Division of General Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of OBGYN, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , , ,
- 4School of Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center , , ,
- 5Division of Graduate Medical Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaiser , , ,
- 6Division of General Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Massachusetts T.H. Chan School of Medicine, UMass Memorial Hospital , , ,
Abstract
Background: Menstruation is a physiologic aspect of reproductive health; however, menstrual equity—defined as access to products, supportive environments, and comfort during menstruation—is not universally achieved. Menstrual stigma, often shaped by cultural and religious norms, is a key driver of inequity. While this has been described in global South Asian populations, its influence among South Asians in the United States remains underexplored.
Objectives: To assess the association between cultural and religious influences, menstrual stigma, and menstrual equity among South Asian menstruators in the U.S.
Methods: This cross-sectional study (March–November 2024) recruited South Asian-identifying menstruators via social media. Participants completed a validated 33-item Menstrual Attitudes Questionnaire assessing beliefs, experiences, and menstrual equity indicators. Descriptive statistics and univariate linear regression were used for analysis.
Results: Of 101 respondents, 86% identified as Indian, 53.5% reported menarche at age 11–12, and 59.4% reported regular cycles. Heavy menstrual bleeding was reported by 11.9%. Non-standard menstrual products were used by some participants, including toilet paper (20.6%), paper towels (7.5%), and rags (3.1%). Greater reported cultural or religious influence on menstrual beliefs was associated with denial of any menstrual effect (p = 0.001).
Conclusion: Cultural and religious influences were associated with denial of menstrual effects but were not directly associated with overall menstrual stigma. These findings suggest that cultural frameworks may shape menstrual perception in nuanced ways, potentially reinforcing barriers to menstrual health discussion and education. Further research is needed to clarify how cultural and religious norms influence menstrual equity and health-seeking behaviors in South Asian American communities.
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BibTeX
@article{shafquat2026menstrual,
title = {{Menstrual stigma and the role of culture and religion in the south Asian diaspora: a cross-sectional study of a nationwide cohort}},
author = {Mehnaz Shafquat and Felicia Reid and Gene Urrutia and Ruta Uttarkar and Prema Vyas and Kristen Matteson and Shilpa M. Darivemula},
journal = {Frontiers in reproductive health},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3389/frph.2026.1929160},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13724589},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Menstrual stigma and the role of culture and religion in the south Asian diaspora: a cross-sectional study of a nationwide cohort
AU - Mehnaz Shafquat
AU - Felicia Reid
AU - Gene Urrutia
AU - Ruta Uttarkar
AU - Prema Vyas
AU - Kristen Matteson
AU - Shilpa M. Darivemula
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/19
JO - Frontiers in reproductive health
DO - 10.3389/frph.2026.1929160
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13724589
AB - Background: Menstruation is a physiologic aspect of reproductive health; however, menstrual equity—defined as access to products, supportive environments, and comfort during menstruation—is not universally achieved. Menstrual stigma, often shaped by cultural and religious norms, is a key driver of inequity. While this has been described in global South Asian populations, its influence among South Asians in the United States remains underexplored. Objectives: To assess the association between cultural and religious influences, menstrual stigma, and menstrual equity among South Asian menstruators in the U.S. Methods: This cross-sectional study (March–November 2024) recruited South Asian-identifying menstruators via social media. Participants completed a validated 33-item Menstrual Attitudes Questionnaire assessing beliefs, experiences, and menstrual equity indicators. Descriptive statistics and univariate linear regression were used for analysis. Results: Of 101 respondents, 86% identified as Indian, 53.5% reported menarche at age 11–12, and 59.4% reported regular cycles. Heavy menstrual bleeding was reported by 11.9%. Non-standard menstrual products were used by some participants, including toilet paper (20.6%), paper towels (7.5%), and rags (3.1%). Greater reported cultural or religious influence on menstrual beliefs was associated with denial of any menstrual effect (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Cultural and religious influences were associated with denial of menstrual effects but were not directly associated with overall menstrual stigma. These findings suggest that cultural frameworks may shape menstrual perception in nuanced ways, potentially reinforcing barriers to menstrual health discussion and education. Further research is needed to clarify how cultural and religious norms influence menstrual equity and health-seeking behaviors in South Asian American communities.
SN - 2673-3153
ER -