Awareness, Acceptability, and Feasibility of the Menstrual Cup Among Working Women
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52783/jns.v14.2496Keywords:
Menstrual cup, menstrual hygiene, awareness, acceptability, feasibility, working women, sustainabilityAbstract
Background: Menstrual cups are a cost-effective, sustainable, and reusable alternative to disposable menstrual hygiene products. However, their awareness, acceptability, and feasibility among working women remain limited due to misconceptions, cultural stigma, and workplace-related challenges. This study aims to assess knowledge, attitudes, and barriers to menstrual cup adoption among working women aged 25–45 years.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the OBGYN OPD of Chettinad Medical College. A total of 100 working women aged 25–45 years were recruited using a convenience sampling method. A structured questionnaire was used to assess demographics, awareness, prior experience, and factors influencing menstrual cup acceptability. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, with descriptive statistics (percentages, frequencies) and inferential analysis using the Chi-square test. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC), and informed consent was taken from all participants.
Results: Among the participants, 45% were aware of menstrual cups, but only 20% had ever used one. Higher education levels were significantly associated with greater awareness and willingness to try menstrual cups (p = 0.03). Women who received information from healthcare professionals were more likely to consider using menstrual cups than those relying on social media or peers (p = 0.02). Feasibility in the workplace remained a major concern, with 70% of participants citing lack of access to clean washrooms and privacy as barriers. However, after an educational session, 60% of participants expressed willingness to try menstrual cups in the future.
Conclusion: Menstrual cups remain underutilized among working women despite their benefits. Awareness campaigns, healthcare-led education, and workplace sanitation improvements are necessary to improve acceptability and feasibility. Policy interventions should focus on menstrual health education and workplace-friendly facilities to encourage menstrual cup adoption.
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