The Groundbreaking Validation of the First Tool to Measure Period Product Insecurity
In a significant advancement for public health research, a team of researchers has validated a pioneering scale aimed at measuring period product insecurity, a pressing issue affecting almost 40% of menstruators in the United States. This new tool, known as the Van Ness Period Product Insecurity Scale (VNPPIS), offers a systematic way to quantify the challenges people face in accessing essential menstrual products. The scale was developed by Dr. Kels M. Bowman during her doctoral studies at Duke University and has recently earned its place in the academic journal Women's Health.
The significance of this tool cannot be overstated, as it enables researchers, policymakers, and advocates to effectively evaluate the prevalence of period product insecurity and assess the efficacy of various interventions designed to mitigate this issue. Prior studies indicated that between 18 to 20% of individuals purchasing menstrual products have experienced financial strain when trying to afford them over the past year. Alarmingly, this insecurity is often correlated with heightened symptoms of anxiety and depression among those affected.
The VNPPIS is named in honor of Susan Van Ness, a dedicated former leader at the National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN) who played a pivotal role in advocating for those in need of basic necessities. Sadly, Van Ness lost her life in a plane crash in 2024, but her legacy continues through this scale, which aims to improve the lives of those facing period poverty.
"She was my biggest fan before I had a lot of fans," reflected Dr. Bowman, as she highlighted Van Ness's unwavering support throughout her research journey. The VNPPIS serves as a valuable instrument for academics aiming to deepen their understanding of period poverty and inform policies that promote equitable access to menstrual products, essential for individuals to participate fully in society—be it in education, employment, or daily life.
Lacey Gero, Chief of Government Relations at the NDBN, remarked on the scale's potential impact: "Policymakers are often keen to see the effectiveness of programs funded by public money. With this tool, we can now substantiate our claims and demonstrate the widespread nature of period product insecurity. This could influence programs ranging from community-based distribution efforts to legislative actions allowing free access to menstrual products in educational institutions."
The VNPPIS includes a comprehensive seven-item scale suited for rigorous academic research, as well as a streamlined four-item version that can be deployed in community settings where access to time and resources is limited. This approach ensures that period product insecurity can be measured inclusively, considering both those who utilize these products and those who purchase them for others in their households.
Recognizing the multidimensionality of period product insecurity, Dr. Kelley Massengale from the NDBN expressed enthusiasm about Bowman's work: "The VNPPIS allows us to measure period product insecurity in a nuanced manner, shedding light on the myriad experiences faced by those affected."
The Alliance for Period Supplies, established in 2018 to combat period product insecurity, has backed over 140 community nonprofits dedicated to distributing essential menstrual supplies. This initiative not only aims to facilitate access to these products but also advocates for policy reforms at the local, state, and national levels—embodying the mission to end period poverty.
For those interested in learning more about period poverty and the ongoing efforts to address it, additional resources are available at allianceforperiodsupplies.org. The completion of the VNPPIS marks a watershed moment in the journey toward ensuring that all individuals can access the menstrual products they need without financial worry, fostering a healthier, more equitable society overall.
The significance of this tool cannot be overstated, as it enables researchers, policymakers, and advocates to effectively evaluate the prevalence of period product insecurity and assess the efficacy of various interventions designed to mitigate this issue. Prior studies indicated that between 18 to 20% of individuals purchasing menstrual products have experienced financial strain when trying to afford them over the past year. Alarmingly, this insecurity is often correlated with heightened symptoms of anxiety and depression among those affected.
The VNPPIS is named in honor of Susan Van Ness, a dedicated former leader at the National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN) who played a pivotal role in advocating for those in need of basic necessities. Sadly, Van Ness lost her life in a plane crash in 2024, but her legacy continues through this scale, which aims to improve the lives of those facing period poverty.
"She was my biggest fan before I had a lot of fans," reflected Dr. Bowman, as she highlighted Van Ness's unwavering support throughout her research journey. The VNPPIS serves as a valuable instrument for academics aiming to deepen their understanding of period poverty and inform policies that promote equitable access to menstrual products, essential for individuals to participate fully in society—be it in education, employment, or daily life.
Lacey Gero, Chief of Government Relations at the NDBN, remarked on the scale's potential impact: "Policymakers are often keen to see the effectiveness of programs funded by public money. With this tool, we can now substantiate our claims and demonstrate the widespread nature of period product insecurity. This could influence programs ranging from community-based distribution efforts to legislative actions allowing free access to menstrual products in educational institutions."
The VNPPIS includes a comprehensive seven-item scale suited for rigorous academic research, as well as a streamlined four-item version that can be deployed in community settings where access to time and resources is limited. This approach ensures that period product insecurity can be measured inclusively, considering both those who utilize these products and those who purchase them for others in their households.
Recognizing the multidimensionality of period product insecurity, Dr. Kelley Massengale from the NDBN expressed enthusiasm about Bowman's work: "The VNPPIS allows us to measure period product insecurity in a nuanced manner, shedding light on the myriad experiences faced by those affected."
The Alliance for Period Supplies, established in 2018 to combat period product insecurity, has backed over 140 community nonprofits dedicated to distributing essential menstrual supplies. This initiative not only aims to facilitate access to these products but also advocates for policy reforms at the local, state, and national levels—embodying the mission to end period poverty.
For those interested in learning more about period poverty and the ongoing efforts to address it, additional resources are available at allianceforperiodsupplies.org. The completion of the VNPPIS marks a watershed moment in the journey toward ensuring that all individuals can access the menstrual products they need without financial worry, fostering a healthier, more equitable society overall.
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