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Document Type (Journals)

Original Research

Abstract

This study examined preliminary effects of a targeted learning module on occupational therapy students’ knowledge and perceived understanding of the profession’s role in menstrual health. Although menstrual health is a universal biological process, it remains underrepresented in occupational therapy curricula. Guided by occupational justice theory, this project aimed to enhance awareness within professional education to promote equity. A quasi-experimental, pre-posttest design assessed changes following completion of a self-paced online module. Fourteen second-year students from accredited occupational therapy programs participated. Subjects completed pre- and post-intervention knowledge assessments and the Menstrual Health Understanding Questionnaire (MHUQ), a 5-point Likert scale measuring perceived understanding across constructs such as comfort, advocacy, knowledge, and sensitivity. The module included content on anatomy, interventions, cultural sensitivity, and advocacy. Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Knowledge scores increased from pre-test (M = 0.916, SD = 0.087) to post-test (M = 0.988, SD = 0.045), Z = −2.366, p = .010. MHUQ scores improved from pre-test (M = 4.048, SD = 0.420) to post-test (M = 4.910, SD = 0.129), Z = −3.296, p < .001. Preliminary findings suggest that participation in the targeted module may be associated with improvements in both knowledge and perceived understanding of menstrual health within occupational therapy practice. Integrating menstrual health education into professional curricula may promote occupational justice, inclusivity, and readiness to address essential client health needs.

Biography

Glynnis Jones, OTD, OTR/L is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Moravian University, Bethlehem, PA. She brings over 23 years of clinical experience, primarily in pediatric occupational therapy, to her teaching and research. Her scholarly work focuses on menstruation and menstrual hygiene management, aiming to advance education, clinical practice, and occupational justice in this often-overlooked area of health.

Skylar Edwards, MS, OTR/L is a recent graduate of Moravian University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. She earned her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy in May 2026 and is now a licensed occupational therapist.

Allison Bressette, MS, OTR/L is a recent graduate of Moravian University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. She earned her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy in May 2026 and is now a licensed occupational therapist.

Emilie Wright, MS, OTR/L is a recent graduate of Moravian University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. She earned her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy in May 2026 and is now a licensed occupational therapist.

Michelle Hiller, BS, OTR/L is an occupational therapist with over 23 years of clinical experience, currently practicing in the Early Intervention setting. She is the owner of Hiller Therapy Services and holds multiple professional certifications, including PA Early Intervention Coach (Endorsed), DIR/Floortime Certified, Health & Safety Instructor, and Infant Mental Health & Trauma. Her work focuses on supporting infants and young children and their families, promoting developmental growth, safety, and holistic well-being.

Declaration of Interest

The authors report no declarations of interest.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

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