Utilization of modern menstrual methods and related unmet needs among college going women in Coimbatore district: a descriptive cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objectives The primary objectives were to determine the proportion of modern menstrual method (MMM) users among college going women in Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu; and to estimate the unmet needs associated with use of MMMs in comparison with other menstrual hygiene methods (MHMs). We also assessed the factors that determine MMM use among college going women. Methods This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among college going women in Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu, India between October 2022 and January 2023 using a purpose predesigned, pretested, semi-structured proforma that included validated Menstrual Practice Needs Scale (MPNS-36). Results Only 1.4% of the study participants used MMMs – menstrual cups (1.3%) and tampons (0.1%). Sanitary pads were the most common MHM of choice (96.3%); of which majority (98.6%) used disposable pads and more than half (50.4%) used non-biodegradable pads. Importantly, one in six (16.5%) were not aware of nature of sanitary pads (biodegradable or nonbiodegradable) used. The unmet needs associated with MMMs (menstrual cups and tampons) were significantly lower than that for other MHMs (including sanitary pads), in particular, the unmet material and home environment needs, unmet material reliability concerns, unmet reuse needs and unmet reuse insecurity. However, we found no significant difference between MMMs, sanitary pads and other MHMs in terms of unmet transport, college environment, change and disposal insecurity needs. The significant predictors of use of MMMs were age (more than 21 years of age), residence (urban), type of stay (off campus including home), socioeconomic status (upper), fathers’ and mothers’ education (high school and above), and presence of personal income. Discussions with friends (or peers) both before and after menarche regarding menstruation resulted in higher adoption of modern menstrual methods. Conclusion MMMs provided comparative advantage with lesser unmet needs for material reliability and reuse insecurity concerns, particularly in home environment. However, none of the MHMs fulfilled the user expectations for transport and disposal insecurity concerns, particularly outdoors.

Exploring Menstrual Hygiene Practices and Awareness of Menstrual Cups Among Nursing Professionals: A Cross-Sectional Survey

“…It revealed that a staggering 96.03% relied on non-biodegradable sanitary pads. These findings echo similar trends observed in studies among college-going women done by Durairaj et al, reaffirming the dominance of sanitary pads as the preferred method of menstrual protection [ 14 ]. Despite the growing dialogue on modern alternatives like menstrual cups and tampons, their adoption remains dismally low, with only one participant reporting the use of a menstrual cup in the present study - a trend consistent with existing literature.…”

“…Reusable alternatives such as cloth pads, banana fiber pads, compostable sanitary pads, period panties, and menstrual cups offer promising solutions to mitigate the environmental impact of menstrual waste. Among these options, menstrual cups stand out as a safe, effective, and eco-friendly choice, with studies worldwide affirming their efficacy and safety [ 10 - 14 ].…”

Menstrual Practice Needs among College going Women in Coimbatore district, India: An analytical cross-sectional study

“…In the current study modern methods including cups and tampoons had lesser unmet needs than those using sanitary pads. 14 A similar report of cups allowing better mobility and freedom of activities than pads was reported from a refugee camp in Uganda. 21 A high majority of 96.3% were using sanitary pads and a similar proportion has been reported by other studies in India.…”

“…A detailed study methodology has been explained in an earlier publication of this study. 14 Study tools & Data collection: After a detailed literature review and discussions with subject experts a predesigned, semi-structured questionnaire was developed to capture socio-demography, menstrual talks, unmet needs of menstrual hygiene practices (using Menstrual Practice Needs Scale (MPNS-36)) and choice of menstrual hygiene methods. The questionnaire was administered using Google Forms.…”