Abstract
Enhancing menstrual health literacy is crucial for adolescent health, however school curriculums often lack comprehensive content on this topic. Menstrual issues such as dysmenorrhea significantly underscoring academic and athletic performance, highlights the need for more comprehensive education. This review focuses on critical health literacy among adolescents in Japan, analyzing current educational practices and proposing an integrated approach. Our literature review indicates that while educational programs improve functional literacy, they often frequently fail to cultivate the critical literacy necessary for changing perceptions and behaviors. This study proposes an educational framework that includes interactive workshops and insights from the 1252 Project, aimed at improving menstrual health through lived experiences and expert knowledge. Current findings suggest that comprehensive menstrual health literacy enhances knowledge and attitudes and also promotes healthier behaviors among adolescents. Additionally, the importance of training educators to facilitate open discussions confidently is emphasized. In conclusion, a holistic approach to menstrual health literacy in schools is essential for supporting adolescent girls and overall health, urging improvements in educational strategies.
