Usage of menstrual cups among the doctors of reproductive age group in a tertiary care centre in Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu, India- An observational study

Abstract

Background: Menstrual cups are an alternative to sanitary pads where the latter constitutes a major portion of waste disposal. The menstrual cups being reusable reduces the amount of waste generated in a substantial way. So, they are economical and eco-friendly. Their use has been limited in our country because of lack of promotion and extensive use of sanitary pads. Our study aimed to determine the awareness, knowledge and the pattern of usage of menstrual cups among the Doctors of the reproductive age group in a tertiary care centre. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was done among the doctors of the reproductive age group in SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre for a duration of 3 months. A pretested, semi-structured questionnaire was given to the doctors which contained information on sociodemographic characteristics of the participants, parity, knowledge, awareness and pattern of usage of menstrual cups. Results: Out of 250 doctors, 9 (3.6 %) were unaware of menstrual cups. Though 241 (96.4 %) have heard of menstrual cups, 153 (61.6 %) had good knowledge about menstrual cups. Only 11 (4.4 %) of the doctors were actually using them. 224 (89.6 %) were using sanitary pads, 7 (2.8 %) were using tampons and 8 (3.2 %) were using reusable pads. Conclusion: The acceptance rate of menstrual cups is poor among the doctors even though they have good knowledge about them. Doctors being the connecting link between the public and the health care system require adequate awareness and promotion campaigns so that the adoption rate can be boosted among them.

Keywords

• Eco-friendly
• Menstrual cups
• Menstrual hygiene
• Sanitation