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Access to period products during the first nation-wide lockdown in Australia: Results from an online survey

ABSTRACT In early 2020, Australia experienced a nation-wide lockdown to help stop the spread of COVID-19. While many aspects of normal life were put on hold, others, like menstruation, did not stop. We examined the impact of the lockdown on the ability of people to access their usual period products. We conducted an online survey open for 2.5 weeks during the lockdown. Here, we report on responses from participants who identified as female, who were of reproductive age, and who answered questions regarding their ability to access their usual products. We fitted univariable and multivariable logistic regression models to explore factors associated with difficulty accessing period products and utilized a conventional content analysis for the free-text qualitative data. Of the 410 participants, nearly one-third reported difficulties accessing their usual period products during lockdown. Women under 25 years were more likely to experience difficulty accessing products. Free-text comments revealed the ways in which women handled this, often purchasing whatever was available regardless of whether it was a product that met their needs or not. Periods do not stop in a pandemic, and it is vital that people are able to access the products they require to manage their periods hygienically and comfortably.