Original Articles
The present past and future menstrual cups: A health educational intervention study | |
Dr. Lokesh KC,Dr. Swetha Chandru,Dr.Vimarshitha P,Dr. Pradeep TS, Dr. Chaluvaraj TS | |
Background: Menstruation is a significant stage in the development of adolescent girls. Especially those who cannot afford the materials needed for menstrual management1. The women resort to non-absorbent, unhygienic and uncomfortable materials for management2. The inadequate management of menstruation in low/middle income countries and the religious traditions and tabooshave emerged as an important priority for action.Due to non-availability and cost barriers, as well as the lack knowledge and taboos associated with menstruation, the management of menstruation is a source of social embarrassment3. Hence the need for better, comfortable, hygienic and cost effective products has arisen something like menstrual cups.Objective: To assess perceptions regarding menstrual cups among menstruating womenbefore and after health education intervention and to assess the perceptions regarding menstrual cups among those participants who are using menstrual cups. Methods: It is a health education intervention study (Non randomized, no blinding) carried on Menstruating women between 18-45 years age group for a period of two yearsfrom June 2018to November 2020 in UHTC field practice area of MVJMC& RH, Hoskote Rural Bangalore on400 women calculated on previous study. Menstruating women between 15-45 years age group were included and Menopausal women were excluded.Results: Out of 400 participants, 378 used sanitary pads among which 328 experienced one or other side effects. Majority used 1-3 pads/day. Health education intervention regarding reusability, methods of cleaning and process of insertion of menstrual cups came significant. Follow up of 3 cycles among 30 menstrual cup users showed improved acceptance compared with sanitary pads in the same participants.Conclusion: Menstrual cups are eco-friendly, reusable and cost effective. It’s time now that more emphasis should be given on usage of menstrual cups which has many advantages compared to other methods followed during menstruation. |
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