Sustainable menstruation and menstrual cups: Study on awareness and intention to use in the state of Kerala

Abstract

Sustainable menstruation promotes health, social well-being, and minimizes negative environmental impacts. As opposed to single-use tampons and pads, which absorb blood, the menstrual cup collects menstrual blood and can last for up to ten years. The present study attempted to understand the awareness level about sustainable menstruation and menstrual cups, intention to use menstrual cup, and factors inhibiting as well as facilitating the use of menstrual cups among young women. Data was collected through a survey of 1937 menstruating college students in Kerala. The study indicated a high level of awareness about cloth pads and menstrual cups among college students. Though the use of menstrual cups was found to be low, the intention to use menstrual cups was reported to be above average. The major factor for not using menstrual cups was related to fear of vaginal insertion and the major facilitating factor was found to be convenience. The study results will provide insights into designing focused awareness sessions to mitigate the reasons for not using menstrual cups.