“If we raise our voice, society will get angry”: Adolescent Boys’ Understanding and Perceptions of menstruation in Nepal
1
Department of Social and Policy Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
2
Center for Research on Environment, Health and Population Studies (CREHPA), Kusunti, Lalitpur, Nepal
3
Department of Politics, Languages and International Studies, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Menstruation is rarely discussed with men and boys, in LMICs, where socio-cultural taboos surround it1, reinforcing their existing negative attitudes2. This lack of understanding can limit women and girls’ access to social support, accurate information, and appropriate menstrual hygiene management, leading to poor health outcomes 3. This study aims to explore adolescent boys' current understanding and perception of menstruation in Nepal and explore their potential roles in supporting adolescent girls.
METHODS:
A qualitative exploratory study was conducted in two municipalities in Surkhet district, Nepal. Six focus group discussions were carried out with 51 boys aged 13-18 years. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis4.
RESULTS:
Three key themes were generated. 1) Fragmented and stigmatised knowledge- Boys' understanding of menstruation was inadequate and fragmented, shaped by systemic ignorance. Their first information about menstruation at home centred on restrictions. School further reinforced stigma where lessons were either skipped or taught superficially. 2) At the crossroads: Negotiating traditions and fears- Boys expressed mixed reaction towards menstrual restrictions. A minority accepted these, some seemed to struggle to decide their position, while others explicitly rejected them. Boys were thinking critically about these restrictions and even questioning the rationales provided. 3) Empowered in words, paralyzed in actions- Adolescent boys were conscious of the effects of menstrual practices in girls and were empathetic towards them, and wanted to help. However, almost none had raised voice against these. They were scared of elders' reactions and also considered that individual voices don’t matter.
CONCLUSIONS:
Adolescent boys' awareness of the impacts of menstrual restrictions and their desire to support suggest they can be agents for transforming menstrual norms. Targeted interventions such as accurate, inclusive menstrual education and creation of supportive spaces and role models for open dialogue would help them engage actively in dismantling harmful menstrual norms in Nepal.
Menstruation is rarely discussed with men and boys, in LMICs, where socio-cultural taboos surround it1, reinforcing their existing negative attitudes2. This lack of understanding can limit women and girls’ access to social support, accurate information, and appropriate menstrual hygiene management, leading to poor health outcomes 3. This study aims to explore adolescent boys' current understanding and perception of menstruation in Nepal and explore their potential roles in supporting adolescent girls.
METHODS:
A qualitative exploratory study was conducted in two municipalities in Surkhet district, Nepal. Six focus group discussions were carried out with 51 boys aged 13-18 years. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis4.
RESULTS:
Three key themes were generated. 1) Fragmented and stigmatised knowledge- Boys' understanding of menstruation was inadequate and fragmented, shaped by systemic ignorance. Their first information about menstruation at home centred on restrictions. School further reinforced stigma where lessons were either skipped or taught superficially. 2) At the crossroads: Negotiating traditions and fears- Boys expressed mixed reaction towards menstrual restrictions. A minority accepted these, some seemed to struggle to decide their position, while others explicitly rejected them. Boys were thinking critically about these restrictions and even questioning the rationales provided. 3) Empowered in words, paralyzed in actions- Adolescent boys were conscious of the effects of menstrual practices in girls and were empathetic towards them, and wanted to help. However, almost none had raised voice against these. They were scared of elders' reactions and also considered that individual voices don’t matter.
CONCLUSIONS:
Adolescent boys' awareness of the impacts of menstrual restrictions and their desire to support suggest they can be agents for transforming menstrual norms. Targeted interventions such as accurate, inclusive menstrual education and creation of supportive spaces and role models for open dialogue would help them engage actively in dismantling harmful menstrual norms in Nepal.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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