Date of Award

4-2024

Degree Type

Capstone Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Donielle Easlick

Second Advisor

Holly Grieves

Abstract

Menstrual health and hygiene are vital yet often overlooked components of women’s well-being with implications for academic success, physical health, and social equity. This capstone project, conducted with Western Michigan University’s Broncos. Period program, aimed to address the critical issue of period poverty and inadequate menstrual hygiene management on campus. Through comprehensive needs assessments, key gaps and opportunities were identified. Objectives were created based on results from the needs assessments and implemented to secure grant funding for menstrual products, establish formal partnerships, and develop educational materials. As a result of the objectives, the project secured funding to restock partner locations, and increased product availability on campus by expanding to an additional seven locations on campus. Partnership agreements were created and formalized to ensure sustainable distribution and support. Educational materials including infographics, flyers, and resource lists were created to increase awareness and understanding of menstrual health among the campus community. As menstrual hygiene management is classified as an activity of daily living (ADL) under toileting and has implications on occupational engagement, this is an issue directly related to occupational therapy. This project increases awareness of period poverty, stigma surrounding menstruation, and barriers to hygiene and menstruation management.

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