Enhancing client engagement and alleviating period product insecurity: A cross-sectional study of community-based period supply banks' distribution of free period products through intermediary partner agencies in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Period products like pads, tampons, and a variety of disposable and reusable hygiene supplies constitute just one facet essential for effectively managing menstruation in a way that allows an individual to feel comfortable carrying out their daily routine. Given the absence of comprehensive public policies ensuring access to period products for economically disadvantaged menstruating individuals, community-based basic needs banks, particularly period supply banks, were established to alleviate the challenges faced by those experiencing period product insecurity. These initiatives specifically aim to furnish essential menstrual products to individuals in need. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess any organizational benefits experienced by community-based organizations distributing period products on behalf of period supply banks. DESIGN: This cross-sectional study is a formative evaluation of the distribution of free period products by period supply banks, which provide access to essential menstrual hygiene products for individuals in need through partnership with community-based partner agencies. METHODS: Staff members at agencies distributing period products were invited to complete an anonymous web-based survey at two different time points about their agency's experiences distributing free period products. All participants provided informed consent via the web-based survey. RESULTS: Agency staff reported that since they started providing period products, clients were more likely to: start a conversation about other needs (66.7%), extend the length of their relationship with the agency (60.0%), keep scheduled appointments (62.1%), ask for assistance with another need (75.0%), communicate between visits (42.4%), participate in other agency programming (55.9%), and seek other agency services (73.5%). Due to a shortage of period products, 41% of agencies have had to turn away clients needing period supplies. CONCLUSION: Period supply banks, in collaboration with community-based partner agencies, enhance access to both menstrual products and the associated support, fostering engagement with diverse resources and opportunities among recipients. However, addressing unmet needs necessitates policies and additional funding to ensure universal access to essential hygiene supplies for everyone to thrive and actively participate in society.

Positive benefits for agencies giving away free period products from a period supply bank in the United StatesWhy we did this study: In the United States, many people with periods cannot afford to buy period supplies when needed. When people do not have enough period products, they may have to stay home from places they want to go, like work, school, or community spaces. Period supply banks want to help ensure everyone has period supplies, so that, they take in donations and buy more supplies. Then, period supply banks partner with other agencies that give period supplies for free to individuals experiencing need.What we wanted to learn: We wanted to know if the agencies that give away free period products through partnerships with period supply banks have any benefits from doing so.What we did: We asked people who work at an agency that gives away free period products received through a partnership with a period supply bank to take an online survey at two different times, when the agency began the collaboration with the period supply bank and after distributing period supplies for several months. Only people who wanted to be in the study did the survey.What we learned: Agencies who give away free period products benefit because clients are more likely to talk to them about other needs they have, enroll in a program or receive another resource from the agency, miss fewer appointments, and stay in an agency program longer. Sometimes, agencies do not have enough products for everyone who needs period supplies. More funding and policies are needed to help period supply banks buy enough period products for everyone who needs them.

Effects of mesalamine (5-aminosalicylic acid) on bacterial gene expression.

BACKGROUND: 5-Aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) is a well-established treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and may reduce the risk of colon cancer in patients with chronic colitis, but the mechanisms underlying these effects have not been fully elucidated. Although 5-ASA delivery is targeted to the distal gut, little is known about its effects on the luminal bacteria that reside there. Intestinal bacteria are believed play a role in causing or perpetuating IBD, and bioremediation has been studied as a therapeutic strategy. In an effort to better understand the bacteriological effects of 5-ASA, we examined the role of this compound at the level of bacterial gene expression. METHODS: 5-ASA was screened for its effects on a random promoter library representing the genome of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium as a model enteric bacterium. Forty-five constructs representing 38 unique promoters were found to be responsive to 5-ASA, and included genes involved in bacterial invasion, cellular metabolism, and stress resistance. Several genes of unknown function were also identified. These effects occurred at 5-ASA concentrations that are relevant to those achieved in the distal intestinal tract in patients with IBD but did not inhibit bacterial growth. RESULTS: Bacterial invasiveness was decreased by 5-ASA. Some of the identified genes had homologs among commensal Gram-negative enteric bacteria. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that 5-ASA has potent effects on bacterial gene expression. These novel findings implicate intestinal bacteria as pharmacological targets of 5-ASA, perhaps contributing to the therapeutic action of this important class of IBD drugs.