Nonconventional menstrual hygiene products and its usage among reproductive age group women in India – A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Menstrual hygiene is influenced by various factors including the products used by women during the cycle. The up-to-date and recent products like menstrual cups and tampons make women more comfortable during the day. The study aimed to assess the perception of usage and awareness of women in the reproductive age group regarding nonconventional menstrual hygiene products such as tampons and cups. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study done among 525 subjects belonging to reproductive age group. The data was collected through questionnaires circulated in the form of Google forms. The questionnaire contained general socio-demographic details, menstrual history details, and the details regarding the usage of sanitary pads its difficulties and the use of menstrual cups or tampons and its advantages. The data were analyzed using various appropriate statistical tests. Results: Among the study subjects, 445 (84.8%) are aware that menstrual cups or tampons are present as an alternative to sanitary pads. In this study, 489 (93.1%) have never tried tampons or menstrual cups during menstrual cycles. The most common reason for not trying menstrual cups or tampons among these subjects is as follows: afraid to insert foreign body 190 (38.9%). The study showed that 489 (93.15%), 13 (2.5%), and 23 (4.4%) subjects were currently using sanitary pads, tampons, and menstrual cups respectively. Conclusion: The study showed that the use of nonconventional sanitary products like menstrual cups or tampons was less among the study group even with high awareness. The need of right path about the appropriate and fitting menstrual hygiene product for the generation is portrayed.