Insight: Access to sanitary products in Scotland

Executive Summary

The Scottish Government recently committed to make sanitary products available for free in schools, colleges and universities in Scotland. Young Scot worked with the Scottish Government to gather insight into young people and students’ views on accessing sanitary products via a survey and open letter.

• The survey received 2,050 fully completed responses. Ninety two percent of respondents were currently in secondary school, college or university.

• Nearly three quarters of respondents in secondary school, college or university (74%) said they feel either very or quite comfortable discussing sanitary products. A similar proportion of respondents not in education (76%) said they feel comfortable discussing sanitary products.

• Over half of respondents in secondary school, college or university (57%) said they feel very or quite comfortable buying sanitary products, compared to (67%) of respondents who were not in education.

• Around a quarter of respondents in secondary school, college or university (26%) and those not in education (24%) said they had struggled to access sanitary products in the previous year.

• Sixty percent of respondents in secondary school, college or university who reported struggling to access products said that this was because they Didn’t have the product [they] needed. 61% of respondents not in education who reported struggling to access products said that this was because they couldn't afford to buy sanitary products.

• The most common way respondents in secondary school, college or university who had struggled to access products coped was having to ask someone else for a tampon/towel (71%) or to use an alternative e.g. toilet paper (70%). The most common way respondents not in education coped was having to use an alternative e.g. toilet paper (71%).

• For those in secondary school, college or university the most popular option for accessing free products in the future was having free products available in the school, college or university toilets. Just over half (53%) of respondents rated this as the number one out of five suggestions. Similarly, for those not in education, the most popular option for accessing free products in the future was free products available from toilets.

• The least popular option for accessing free products in the future among those at secondary school, college or university was having free products available from a member of the school, college or university staff (59% rated this option as their least favourite). Having free products available from a designated person was also the least popular option among those not in education.

• Almost a third of respondents (32%) provided further comments. These responses were split into six key themes: issues with affordability of products, difficulty with discussion around periods and sanitary products, opinions on the Scottish Government’s commitment, problems with existing sanitary products or facilities, 3 difficulty with access to products and suggestions for free access to sanitary products.

Completed Dear Periods letters were received from 169 individuals.

• Dear Periods Letters were categorised into nine key themes:

  • The physical features/physical impact of periods

  • Difficulty with discussion

  • Issues with affordability

  • Difficulty with access

  • Problems with existing products or facilities

  • Opinions on commitment

  • Emotional impact of periods

  • Positive aspects of periods

  • Description of a specific experience or story

Background and Objectives

The Scottish Government recently committed to make sanitary products available for free in schools, colleges and universities in Scotland. Young Scot is working with the Scottish Government to support the gathering of insight on what young people and students think about periods and sanitary products.

To support such insight gathering, we worked together to create a survey that would provide us with an indication of current experiences accessing sanitary products. This in turn will help identify potential areas for improvement and delivery of the commitment.

Young Scot hosted a survey on their preferred third-party tool Survey Gizmo. It ran between 21st December 2017 and 31st January 2018, receiving 2,050 complete responses. The majority of those that answered the survey were currently in secondary school, college or university (92%).

Young Scot also hosted an open letter on Survey Gizmo entitled Dear Periods. The letter encouraged open feedback around management of periods, accessibility of sanitary products and individuals’ relationships with their periods. An open letter was submitted by 181 individuals.

Both the survey and the open letter were promoted through our main digital platform (young.scot/periods), our national Rewards programme and social media, to our audience of 11-26 year olds. To reach a wider demographic, the activities were also actively shared through school, college or university networks.

As the Scottish Government’s current commitment is related specifically to educational institutions, findings have been split into two sample groups: respondents who were currently in secondary school, college or university and respondents who were not. Qualitative responses from the survey and open letters have been subject to thematic analysis (procedure outlined below).

The first question of the Access to Sanitary Products Survey was Are you happy for your typed responses to be anonymously quoted in reports produced by Young Scot or the Scottish Government? Any respondents who answered No to this question have had their typed responses excluded from this report.

Responses to the open question at the end of the survey and responses to the Dear Periods Letters have undergone thematic analysis. Answers were input into a word cloud generator and word counter to support the prioritisation of themes. Each response was individually read and coded according to the relevant secondary themes. These were then grouped into less than ten main themes that would aid report structure. All raw responses within their themed groups have been included in the Appendices.

In some cases, a response met the criteria of more than one category. All answers have been coded into as many categories as relevant, meaning some answers span several categories. This means that the quantified results from qualitative questions may not always add up to 100%.

Some responses have been labelled as ‘non-pertinent’. These were typed responses that were deemed either overly explicit or not understandable.

Demographics

There were 2,050 fully completed responses to the survey. The majority (1,892) responses were from those in secondary school, college or university.

There was representation across all 32 Local Authorities within this sample. The largest number of respondents were from Glasgow (270) or Edinburgh (167).

Respondents were also asked to provide the first half of their postcode. These responses have been included in the Appendices as they were freely typed.

Most respondents were in their mid to late teens (14-17 years old), although there is large representation from young people in their early to mid-twenties. Ninety two percent of respondents were aged 11-24, which would make them within Young Scot’s target age range.*

*Young Scot services cater for those aged 11-26.

Ninety five percent of respondents in the survey identified as female and three percent identified as male. Of the remaining two percent, 23 respondents selected in another way and 22 respondents selected prefer not to say. Twenty six respondents have identified as transgender at some point in their lives.

Respondents primarily identified their ethnic group as white. Thirty respondents preferred not to state their ethnicity.

The majority (1,892) of respondents currently attend some form of educational institution, either secondary school (1,260), college (213) or university (419). Of those who were not in education, the majority were either working full or part time, or unemployed.

Of those that had started their period, almost three quarters were 11-13 years old when it began. Thirty four respondents did not know when they had started their period and 42 preferred not to answer the question. A further 99 respondents said they had not yet started their period at the time of the survey (a response which prompted the survey to direct them to the final question).*

*100 respondents stopped completing the main body of the survey after the question How old were you when you started your period? 99 of these respondents had selected I haven’t started my period to the preceding question so were directed to the final question.

Access to Sanitary Products Survey Responses

There were 1,892 completed responses from young people in secondary school, college or university. Of these, 1,697 individuals gave permission for their typed responses to be included in this report.

All of the charts in the following section present responses from individuals who were currently in secondary school, college or university. Results from those not in education have been included as commentary under each graph.

Around three quarters (74%) of respondents in secondary school, college or university said they feel very or quite comfortable discussing sanitary products. Fewer respondents (57%) said they feel very or quite comfortable going to the shop to buy products.

Around three quarters (76%) of respondents not in education feel very or quite comfortable discussing sanitary products. Twenty two percent feel quite or very uncomfortable, while 2% selected prefer not to say.

Around two thirds (67%) of those not in education feel very or quite comfortable buying sanitary products. Thirty percent feel quite or very uncomfortable buying sanitary products, while 2% selected prefer not to say.

Around a quarter (457) of respondents in secondary school, college or university stated that they had experienced difficulty accessing sanitary products in the previous year. Of those who had experienced difficulty, 60% said this was because they did not have the products that they needed, while 43% said they couldn’t afford to buy their required products.

*Numbers do not add up to 100% as respondents were asked to Select all that apply

Thirty eight respondents who were not in education had difficulty accessing sanitary products in the previous year. Of these, 61% said this was because they couldn’t afford to buy products and 40% because they didn’t have the products they needed.

Of the 82 respondents who answered Other, 75 provided an example. These included being unable to access a shop and feelings of embarrassment. Full responses are included in the Appendices.

Around 7 in 10 respondents in secondary school, college or university who had struggled to access products reported having to ask someone else for a tampon/towel. A similar proportion reported having to use an alternative.

*Numbers do not add up to 100% as respondents were asked to Select all that apply

Seventy one percent of those not in education who struggled with access to sanitary products reported having Had to use an alternative e.g. toilet paper. Two thirds (66%) had experienced having to use [a] cheaper type of tampon/towel, 63% had to ask someone else for a tampon/towel and 61% stated that they had felt worried or anxious. Fifty eight percent said they had felt unable to concentrate during usual activities or felt unable to take part in usual activities, while in terms of work, 55% said they felt unable to concentrate at work and 13% had missed work.

Out of the 17 respondents who answered Other, all provided an example. Examples included risking leaking in public and using unsuitable products. Full examples have been included in the Appendices.

For respondents in secondary school, college or university the most popular option for accessing free products was having them available in toilets (53% rated this as their first choice). The least popular option was asking a member of staff for free products (59% rated this as their last choice).

Just over half of the additional comments (347) focused on the affordability of sanitary products, with 163 suggesting that products should be cheaper or free of charge. A number (45) of respondents identified a specific place that there should be free access (e.g. educational institutions or public toilets).

“I think its unfair that males can receive free condoms but women need to pay for sanitary products. Its a necessity for females to have sanitary products to hand.”

A third (33%) of responses identified an issue with discussion around periods and/or sanitary products. The majority of these responses mentioned that they felt uncomfortable asking for products or buying them from someone.

“I don't think it should be a problem when talking about sanitary products. It should be talked about more and girls shouldn't have to feel a certain/ uncomfortable way. I'm surprised its not already a thing. This should definitely be further acknowledged.”

Some responses made specific reference to the Scottish Government and their commitment: 26 positively and 4 negatively. Respondents also shared their thoughts on whether or not the suggestions regarding free access would work.

“Collecting from a named person would increase stigma and potentially embarrass those in greatest need. The same with vouchers. Sometimes a period can happen when you have no sanitary products available and therefore the toilet is the only place to have them.”

Issues with existing products were highlighted by 120 responses, mainly the suitability of different options for individuals. Some respondents also mentioned problems with facilities such as sanitary bins and dispensers.

“From my experience in high school, even though we have vending points in the toilets they were never installed with pads, tampons etc which means we have to rely on friends or alternatives. In my opinion it would need crucial that these vending points were checked daily to make sure there were enough products in them.”

Sixty two respondents commented that they had previously had difficulty with access, either in a specific place or in general. Some responses highlighted that periods can be unexpected or irregular, making planning ahead difficult.

“I feel like sanitary products should be free for everyone, within the work place, schools and uni. No one should need to pay for the basic need to have these products.”

Thirty people made further suggestions about how to provide easier access to sanitary products.

“Maybe a subscription type box that people can have delivered to there house or flat so that it was discrete and could pick products that they like or want to use.”

Dear Periods Letters

Young Scot received 181 Dear Periods Letters. Of these, 12 responses were excluded from thematic analysis as they were either repeated responses (3) or considered non-pertinent (9). These responses are not explored in the report but were available in the Appendices. One response was categorised as Other as it did not fit any other themes.

Responses to the Dear Periods letter were categorised under nine key themes:

1. The physical features/physical impact of periods

2. Difficulty with discussion

3. Issues with affordability

4. Difficulty with access

5. Problems with existing products or facilities

6. Opinions on commitment

7. Emotional impact of periods

8. Positive aspects of periods

9. Description of a specific experience or story

The most commonly mentioned theme in the Dear Periods letters was the physical features or impact of periods, followed by the difficulty with discussing issues around periods and/or sanitary products.

Due to the level of detail provided in the Dear Periods letters, only selected excerpts have been included in this section of the report.

The physical effect of periods were discussed in 183 responses. Many respondents covered more than one physical feature within their letter. The majority of discussions about the physical effect of periods were in relation to pain.

“… What's good abouts periods? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Periods come with cramps which hurt like hell, back aches which makes standing a struggle, your breasts ache also and your mood is never the same, which means you may end up hurting the people that mean the most to you….”

An issue with discussion around periods and sanitary products was mentioned in 168 responses. Although most responses discussed experiencing difficulties with discussion, 20 respondents stated that they are personally comfortable talking about sanitary products.

“I feel that we should talk more freely about periods which would allow girls to be able to build a unity and lessen the stigma around periods, because they're natural and happen to every girl at some point no matter what.”

The affordability of sanitary products was highlighted in 91 responses, with 8 of these making direct comparisons to contraception.

“…Why do you cost us money, money that could be spent on other things. I have spent so much money on tampons and pads, why do we need to spend money on stuff that should be free? Things that are critical for being a young woman going through a period. I don't see condoms having to be paid for? You can pay for them but there are things in place that means you can get them for free. Tampons are not a choice, but condoms are. We should work towards changing this, please please work on this.”

Difficulties with accessing sanitary products were mentioned in 54 responses. Most of these responses stated that periods can be unexpected or irregular, making access to sanitary products difficult. However, 6 of these responses stated they do not have difficulty accessing sanitary products.

“They arrive at the most inconvenient time, possibly when you just haven't had time to go to the shops or have forgotten to replace that emergency stash in your bag. You face the dilemma, do you hope your friend walks into the bathroom, ask who ever walks in next if they can help you out, hope toilet roll will save you until you can get home or pay the horrific price of the college vending machine pad and skip buying lunch today…”

Issues with existing products were raised by 51 people, mainly in relation to the suitability of different options for different individuals.

“I wish more awareness was put around reusable products and now important they are both to the environment and how much more healthy they are for the body, they are never spoken about and are not sold in shops at all with no access to cups or reusable pads. Most girls don't even know that they are an option and i feel like it's a really important thing for them to know…”

Twenty nine letters made a positive reference to the Scottish Government and their commitment. A further 15 responses discussed the possibility of having a card or voucher system for accessing products.

“…I think the Scottish government initiative is a great idea and I can't wait to see how it works.”

Thirty one responses made reference to emotions/feelings towards periods. The majority of these used the term hate.

“when I was young I was told about you and what you would do to my body. you scared me. you embarrassed me and you even made me paranoid. I was made to feel that you were something to hide and keep to myself. I now know this is not true but some girls still dont….”

Twenty four responses mentioned a positive aspect of periods. Of these, 4 people provided positive advice to those who may be struggling with periods/sanitary products.

“You suck. But I forgive you. Periods can be painful, and yucky, and a general pain in the butt. But it is just nature doing it's thing, and keeping our bodies working for greater things in the future. As it is a natural process and it happens to EVERY WOMAN at some point, free sanitary products within schools/universities is one of the most heart warming things I have seen…”

Finally, 12 respondents wrote about a specific experience or story regarding periods and sanitary and on response was categorised as Other (all included in Appendices).

Summary of Findings

Among those who completed the survey and letter, the prospect of free sanitary products is very popular, with many feeling that existing options were too expensive. Having free products available in toilets was the most popular of the options suggested, with respondents commenting that this would help combat issues with accessibility. To strengthen privacy and discretion a number of responses suggested that products be placed in cubicles rather than the general toilet area. The second most popular option for receiving free sanitary products was the use of a card in shops. More respondents made positive comments in regard to the card rather than voucher option, although occasionally the options were considered interchangeably.

Although many respondents reported that they felt relatively comfortable discussing issues around periods and sanitary products, there was recognition that there is still stigma attached to the issue. Generally, respondents feel more uncomfortable asking for or buying products from someone. This is supported by the large number of respondents who selected accessing products through a designated person as their least favourite option.

Many responses commented on the type of products that should be available, with menstrual cups being highlighted as suitable alternatives. A number of responses also underlined that everyone’s experiences of periods are different and it is important to consider diverse needs when developing such initiatives. Responses indicate that issues around sanitary products are not restricted just to those in schools, colleges and universities but women of all ages.