In this interview, we speak to Professor Marni Sommers, about her recent study which investigated period poverty during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States (US).
Many U.S. girls reported feeling scared, traumatized and embarrassed at the arrival of their first period, along with feeling dirty and “gross.” This is similar to findings from low-income countries.
Income loss was a strong predictor of menstrual product insecurity across the U.S. during COVID-19, and populations with lower incomes and the lowest educational attainment were most vulnerable, according to a new study conducted by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health in partnership with the CUNY School of Public Health.