Co-creation with pupils and educators to overcome menstrual stigma in secondary schools
This project was funded by the Manchester Academic Health Science Centre (MAHSC) Applied Health and Care Research Group, a joint initiative between MAHSC and NIHR ARC-GM.
What were we trying to do?
We wanted to improve communication, reduce embarrassment, and fill gaps in knowledge about menstruation in secondary schools.
Our research challenged norms that make menstruation a taboo topic and created positive change in how periods are perceived and talked about in secondary schools.
Why was it important?
Menstruation (also called a period) and people’s preconceived ideas about it (for example, period blood being dirty or seeing a tampon as disgusting) could make it difficult for menstruating pupils to deal with their symptoms. This could have a negative impact on their school attendance.
How did we do it?
We held co-creation focus groups in 8 secondary schools in Greater Manchester. Pupils and secondary school staff attended separately (8 focus groups with pupils and 8 focus groups with staff) and explored their thoughts about menstrual health, needs, and communication in school.
We used the information to co-create knowledge with pupils and educators (including teachers, Personal Social Health and Economics (PSHE) teams and school nurses) to improve menstrual health communication, education, and support within secondary schools.
Findings
Findings will be available in due course.
The research team
- Principal Investigator (PI): Dr Petra Kolić (Manchester Metropolitan University)
- Dr Christopher Morse (Manchester Metropolitan University)
- Prof Paul Holmes (Manchester Metropolitan University)
- Dr Ben Ives (Manchester Metropolitan University)
- Dr Lamiece Hassan (University of Manchester)
- Dr Joy Probyn (University of Salford)
- Rebecca Murphy (Manchester Metropolitan University)
Who we worked with
Funding
This research project received an award of £35,246 from the 2024-2025 MAHSC Applied Health and Research Group.
Useful information
Contact information
Dr Petra Kolić
Senior Lecturer (Sociology and Sports Coaching), Manchester Metropolitan University
p.kolic@mmu.ac.uk