"Whenever a girl has a problem, we all go to the bathroom together": Exploring Menstrual Health Care Ecosystems Through the Lived Experiences of Children and Adolescents
Journal
Adjunct Proceedings of the 14th Nordic Conference on Human-Computer Interaction
Type
conference paper
Date Issued
2026-10-02
Author(s)
Abstract
Menstrual Health (MH) is increasingly understood as encompassing physical, emotional, and social well-being, rather than only menstrual hygiene management or period care. While HCI and digital health research have explored menstrual tracking apps, educational games, chatbots, and wearable systems, much of this work centers on individual technology use. Less is known about how children and adolescents navigate MH through broader care ecosystems involving caregivers, peers, schools, technologies, and everyday environments. We conceptualize MH as a Care Ecosystem and explore how children and adolescents experience these ecosystems across developmental stages. We report on ongoing workshops with children and adolescents aged 8–17, with six workshops completed so far (N = 10). Using ecosystem mapping, we examine perceived sources of MH support, care, and information. Preliminary findings show shifting peer dynamics, mothers’ multifaceted care roles, socially protected and unprotected spaces, and the near absence of male figures in MH support.
HSG Classification
contribution to practical use / society
Refereed
Yes
Publisher
ACM
Start page
1
End page
9
Event Title
NordCHI '26 Adjunct: Nordic Conference on Human-Computer Interaction
Event Location
Vaasa, Finland
Event Date
03. - 07-10.26
Subject(s)
Division(s)