Medical researchers are calling for changes to address "youth period poverty," or the lack of access to menstrual products and education.

Research presented this weekend at the American Academy of Pediatrics 2024 National Conference and Exhibition shows one in three adolescents who have visited a pediatric emergency department reported having difficulty accessing menstrual products.

Scientists at Children’s National Hospital say their findings suggest period poverty is a widespread issue, not limited to a particular socioeconomic status, race or ethnicity.

Data for the study was collected through the Teen Health Screen survey designed to improve STI detection in the pediatric emergency department.

The participants were asked two questions to determine if they’d experienced period poverty. One: If you have had a period during the past 12 months, did you ever have to use something other than a pad or tampon, such as cloths, rags, tissues, or toilet paper? And two: Did you need menstrual products but not have the money to buy them?

Again, the researchers found 30% of adolescents do not have the products they need. And they say insufficient access to menstrual products can cause absences from school or work and contribute to health issues.

The study concludes further research is needed to understand the full scope of youth period poverty. It also calls for free menstrual hygiene products to be available in emergency department bathrooms and during all health care visits.

Researchers say policy changes should be made to reduce the costs of menstrual products and ensure free access in public spaces like schools.