University of Utah Master of Public Health students Olivia Pratt and Clara Mayfield are reshaping conversations around menstrual health through their research initiative in Spiti Valley, India. Their project, which began as a class assignment under the mentorship of professor Tejinder Singh, evolved into an international effort addressing menstrual hygiene accessibility and education.
Menstrual health in Spiti Valley presents unique challenges — limited access to products, lack of waste disposal infrastructure, and cultural taboos that prevent open discussion. Recognizing these barriers, Pratt and Mayfield led focus groups to gauge community perspectives and introduced a menstrual cup pilot program. Their findings revealed significant interest in menstrual cups, with many women eager to explore sustainable alternatives. One of the most pressing obstacles was overcoming stigma.
“At first, people were hesitant to talk about menstruation, but over time, they opened up and wanted to share their ideas,” Pratt said.
Their work also extended to engaging men in menstrual health discussions, aiming to shift perceptions and foster inclusivity. Collaboration with local leaders played a crucial role in the project’s success. Community health workers helped translate information and spread awareness, while Spiti’s traditional healer assisted in recruiting participants. As they analyze results and prepare to publish their findings, Olivia and Clara emphasize the broader implications of their work.
“What we learned in Spiti is just as relevant in Utah, and many other communities,” Mayfield said.
They hope their initiative sparks long-term changes in menstrual education, both in India and beyond.
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