Challenges in Menstrual Management Among Women with Visual Impairments: A Study of Riryouka Kyouin with Visual Impairments in Japan

This study aimed to clarify the menstrual experiences and perceptions of women with visual impairments in Japan. An anonymous web-based questionnaire consisting of both multiple-choice (quantitative) and open-ended (qualitative) questions was administered to female Riryouka Kyouin (visually impaired...

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Main Authors: Miyono Okinaka, Tsunehiko Wada
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
Series:Disabilities
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2673-7272/5/2/51
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author Miyono Okinaka
Tsunehiko Wada
author_facet Miyono Okinaka
Tsunehiko Wada
author_sort Miyono Okinaka
collection DOAJ
description This study aimed to clarify the menstrual experiences and perceptions of women with visual impairments in Japan. An anonymous web-based questionnaire consisting of both multiple-choice (quantitative) and open-ended (qualitative) questions was administered to female Riryouka Kyouin (visually impaired teachers who provide instruction in traditional Japanese therapeutic practices—such as acupuncture, moxibustion, and massage—to students with visual impairments) employed at prefectural schools for the blind. The multiple-choice responses suggested several difficulties in menstrual management, including challenges in detecting menstrual blood, limited access to information, and concerns related to embarrassment. The open-ended responses revealed that participants, as individuals with visual impairments who also serve as educators and healthcare professionals, expressed efforts to manage menstruation appropriately in social contexts. These findings highlight the practical experiences of visually impaired women who are actively engaged in society and suggest the importance of support approaches that respect individual autonomy in managing menstruation—a bodily practice imbued with social meaning.
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issn 2673-7272
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series Disabilities
spelling doaj-art-63e8d252f900434bb24f5e04551bb85d2025-08-20T03:27:10ZengMDPI AGDisabilities2673-72722025-05-01525110.3390/disabilities5020051Challenges in Menstrual Management Among Women with Visual Impairments: A Study of Riryouka Kyouin with Visual Impairments in JapanMiyono Okinaka0Tsunehiko Wada1Acupuncture and Physical Therapy Teacher Training School, University of Tsukuba, Tokyo 112-0012, JapanAcupuncture and Physical Therapy Teacher Training School, University of Tsukuba, Tokyo 112-0012, JapanThis study aimed to clarify the menstrual experiences and perceptions of women with visual impairments in Japan. An anonymous web-based questionnaire consisting of both multiple-choice (quantitative) and open-ended (qualitative) questions was administered to female Riryouka Kyouin (visually impaired teachers who provide instruction in traditional Japanese therapeutic practices—such as acupuncture, moxibustion, and massage—to students with visual impairments) employed at prefectural schools for the blind. The multiple-choice responses suggested several difficulties in menstrual management, including challenges in detecting menstrual blood, limited access to information, and concerns related to embarrassment. The open-ended responses revealed that participants, as individuals with visual impairments who also serve as educators and healthcare professionals, expressed efforts to manage menstruation appropriately in social contexts. These findings highlight the practical experiences of visually impaired women who are actively engaged in society and suggest the importance of support approaches that respect individual autonomy in managing menstruation—a bodily practice imbued with social meaning.https://www.mdpi.com/2673-7272/5/2/51visual impairmentwomenmenstrual managementquestionnaire surveyschools for the blindeducators
spellingShingle Miyono Okinaka
Tsunehiko Wada
Challenges in Menstrual Management Among Women with Visual Impairments: A Study of Riryouka Kyouin with Visual Impairments in Japan
Disabilities
visual impairment
women
menstrual management
questionnaire survey
schools for the blind
educators
title Challenges in Menstrual Management Among Women with Visual Impairments: A Study of Riryouka Kyouin with Visual Impairments in Japan
title_full Challenges in Menstrual Management Among Women with Visual Impairments: A Study of Riryouka Kyouin with Visual Impairments in Japan
title_fullStr Challenges in Menstrual Management Among Women with Visual Impairments: A Study of Riryouka Kyouin with Visual Impairments in Japan
title_full_unstemmed Challenges in Menstrual Management Among Women with Visual Impairments: A Study of Riryouka Kyouin with Visual Impairments in Japan
title_short Challenges in Menstrual Management Among Women with Visual Impairments: A Study of Riryouka Kyouin with Visual Impairments in Japan
title_sort challenges in menstrual management among women with visual impairments a study of riryouka kyouin with visual impairments in japan
topic visual impairment
women
menstrual management
questionnaire survey
schools for the blind
educators
url https://www.mdpi.com/2673-7272/5/2/51
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