Graduation Year
2026
Document Type
Senior Thesis
Degree
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Primary Major
Nursing
Primary Minor
Leadership
Thesis Advisor
Andrea Boyle, PhD, FNAP, ANP
Abstract
Period poverty is defined as inconsistent or inadequate access to feminine hygiene products, and it has been shown to negatively impact physical and mental health, academic performance, and dignity across diverse populations. Existing research highlights financial strain, social stigma, and insufficient support as key barriers to menstrual equity among individuals experiencing homelessness, adolescents living in low-resource environments, low-income women, and general undergraduate students (Brinkley & Niebuhr, 2023; Dave et al., 2022; Gruer et al., 2021; Lahme et al., 2018; Parkinson et al., 2024; Gilchrist et al., 2024). However, no studies have examined these issues amongst Dominican University nursing students who may believe period poverty is a current issue or whether they personally experience these challenges. Guided by Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Services Use, this thesis identifies the lack of research on nursing students and proposes an exploratory qualitative study. This proposed study will collect open-ended responses from senior nursing students attending Dominican University of California and analyze the data using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns. Findings from this research may provide valuable insight into unmet needs within the nursing community, inform campus-level interventions, and support advocacy efforts. Understanding students’ experiences will contribute to nursing practice by strengthening awareness of menstrual inequity, informing future patient advocacy, and encouraging action that promotes menstrual health equity.
Included in
Health Economics Commons, Patient Safety Commons, Public Health and Community Nursing Commons, Public Health Education and Promotion Commons, Women's Health Commons