Graduation Semester and Year

Spring 2026

Language

English

Document Type

DNP Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Dr. Kristine Cope

Abstract

Objective: To develop an evidence-based clinical practice guideline for menstrual health management addressing menstrual education, teacher training, menstrual school absenteeism, male student engagement, pain management, and provision of menstrual kits with product options.

Design: This evidence-based practice guideline development project used the Agency of Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Framework and the Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Model (JHNEBP). I conducted a systematic literature review and a critical appraisal to identify best practices for menstrual hygiene interventions in rural communities.

Setting: The guideline development occurred within an academic Doctor of Nursing Practice program focused on rural communities.

Participants: Seven stakeholders with expertise in healthcare, nursing, education, and public health, with adolescent health experience to evaluate evidence-based guideline recommendations.

Measurements: Evidence from 10 peer-reviewed articles informed the development of the guideline recommendations. Stakeholders evaluated five recommendations using a four-point Likert scale ranging from Do Not Recommend to Strongly Recommend.

Results: Stakeholders evaluated five evidence-based recommendations addressing menstrual health education, teacher training, male student engagement, pain management, and menstrual kits with product options. Mean ratings demonstrated overall support for all recommendations, with most stakeholders providing favorable ratings across guideline components, even though there was no statistical significance.

Conclusion: This clinical practice guideline toolkit provides five evidence-based recommendations to support menstrual health management in rural communities through education, teacher training, gender inclusivity, pain management, and choice of menstrual products. These recommendations may assist healthcare providers, educators, and community organizations in promoting menstrual health, reducing stigma and cultural taboos, and improving outcomes for individuals who menstruate.

Keywords

menstrual hygiene management, menstrual health, reproductive health, rural health, adolescent reproductive health, health education, global health, evidence-based practice, school health services, health equity, women’s health nursing

Disciplines

Women's Health

Comments

Acknowledgements:

Dr. Kristine Cope

Dr. Cynthia Plonien

Dr. Younfei Koa

My Family

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