Knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding menstrual cup among reproductive women in a rural tertiary care Hospital

Abstract

Background:The menstrual cup is a recently developed alternative to sanitary napkins. Hence, in this present study, the knowledge, practices, and attitudes of menstrual cups among rural adult women were evaluated. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on women who are in the age group of 18-45 years and are willing to participate in the study. The relevant data were collected using a preformed questionnaire. The questionnaire included all the data about the demographic parameters including age, educational level, and profession, participant's knowledge about the menstrual cup, concerns, and attitude towards the same. After the data was obtained they were entered in excel and descriptive analysis was done by calculating the percentage. The appropriate diagrams were also done for data interpretation. Results: In this study total of 120 participants were included. Among them, 80% of the study participants were aware of the menstrual cup. 36.7% of the participants got information from media, 26.7% from family, 20.8% from friends, and 14.2% from media personnel. The maximum of participants was in the age group of 21 years to 30 years (58.33%). The educational level of the participants was mostly in the undergraduate (35%) or post-graduate level (25.8%). The main concern about the menstrual cup was found to be fear of leakage (51.7%), followed by discomfort (26.7%). 65% of the participants said if a menstrual cup is made available they are willing to use it. Conclusion:This study thus concluded that though many of the participants were aware of the usage of the menstrual cup the acceptance of the cup is still not achieved.

Knowledge, attitude and practice about menstrual cup among healthcare professionals

“…In the present study, the main concern about the use of menstrual cup was discomfort (54.2%) followed by leakage (18%). Whereas a similar study done by Meghana et al [9] reported leakage as main concern followed by discomfort. Also a meta analysis done by Anna et al [10] with regard to availability use and safety of menstrual cup he concluded that outcome of leakage and reported leakage was similar or lower for menstrual cups than for disposable pads or tampons.…”

Promotion and strategies of menstrual cup use among healthcare providers: A primer towards a sustainable solution for menstrual health and hygiene management in India

“…The studies conducted in different parts of India find a massive gap between the knowledge and willingness of women to accept the menstrual cup. (4,8) In a study conducted by Swetha and Amritha, The study participants were mainly medical and paramedical students (16-30 years of age) in south India; it was reported that though 82% of the participants have good knowledge about the menstrual cup among them, 65.75% have knowledge about menstrual cup usage, but only 6% had used MC. (13) Studies also found menstrual cups pose no health hazards to women.…”