Schreiber, Tamar; Solebo, Ameenat Lola; (2023) The Experience of Menarche for Young People With Sensory and Motor Impairments: A Systematic Review. Journal of Adolescent Health 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.08.014. (In press).

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Abstract

Young people with disabilities may face barriers to optimal management of menstrual health, including the management of menarche, a unique stage of development. This systematic review examined the barriers to and facilitators of a positive experience of menarche for young people with visual, hearing, or mobility impairments. The MEDLINE, Embase, PsychINFO bibliographic databases, and grey literature were systematically searched in February 2022 to identify relevant research. Thematic synthesis of the extracted study findings was undertaken, using a team-based approach. A total of seven primary qualitative, and 1 mixed method studies were eligible for inclusion. The themes identified through metasynthesis were: timeliness of pre-menarcheal access, with many being unaware of menarche before it occurred, leading to fear and shock at their first period; resonance, with individuals reporting positive impacts of guidance from those with similar disabilities; and frame, the impact of surrounding societal narratives on the experience of menarche. Families, and those involved in the care of children with visual, hearing, and mobility impairments should be made aware of the importance of timely and resonant menarcheal support and guidance for these individuals and of broadcasting positive surrounding narratives of menarche. This should enable a positive experience of menarche for these vulnerable young people, supporting a good trajectory for later-life menstrual health.

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