Menstrual waste behaviour of young adolescents: a theory of planned behaviour approach

Abstract

There is a significant rise in the pile of non-biodegradable menstrual waste. Still, the majority of the studies focused on the variety and quality of menstrual products, and only a few investigated the sustainable and safe disposal of used menstrual material. The theory of planned behaviour serves as the foundation upon which the paper constructs its theoretical framework to study menstrual waste disposal behaviour among adolescents. It finds that a variety of social contexts and circumstances influence adolescents' intentions to dispose of used menstrual products carelessly, indirectly contributing to environmental degradation. This paper is an attempt to examine the existing gap in the literature and understand the attitudes and intentions that underlie such an activity. This paper also suggests ways for policymakers and implementors to influence the behaviour of adolescents resulting in hygienic and environmentally safe disposal of menstrual waste.