This is a violation of the United Nations’ recognized human right to water and sanitation and is a socio-economic barrier that negatively impacts the physical and mental health of Indigenous youth. In fact, this systemic approach to development means Indigenous Peoples in Canada experience the highest levels of poverty: 40 per cent of Canada’s Indigenous youth live in poverty. They are forced to use rags and newspapers, while access to clean water for hygienic menstrual health management is non-existent. At a heightened risk of urogenital infections, period poverty takes a heavy toll on mental health through elevated distress. Why are literature reviews that expose the relationship between Indigenous Peoples’ menstrual health and their mental health so scarce?

Source: thestar October 13, 2022 20:13 UTC