Menstrual Hygiene Products Research Articles

The Effect of Florida's Sales Tax Repeal on Menstrual Hygiene Products: using Synthetic Control Methods

The Effect of Florida's Sales Tax Repeal on Menstrual Hygiene Products: using Synthetic Control Methods

Culturally Inclusive and Gender Sensitive Menstrual Health Education: Nursing and Immigrant and Refugee Community Organizational Partnership

Background Worldwide period poverty results in gynecological infections and poor outcomes increased menorrhagia, or infections (candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis). Immigrants and refugees have minimal menstrual health education due to cultural taboos, inability to afford feminine hygiene products, and inappropriate use of menstrual reusable products or previous sanitization teachings. The Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) needed evidence-based interventions to reduce period poverty via a culturally sensitive, and gender-affirming menstrual health hygiene program. The purpose of the menstrual health dignity scholarly project intervention was to increase knowledge, comfort, and confidence of community health staff educators (CHSEs) to provide effective client teaching Methods The Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovation Theory, Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) Model, and popular education interactive strategies guided the academic-community scholarly project partnership. Developed a cross-sectoral academic-community team partnership with CHSEs buy in; modified teaching in 2 PDSA cycles (100% attendance of at least 2 sessions); and used Power Points for lesson content, case studies, and technology to reinforce learning and menstrual cup and health brochure to increase CHSEs’ knowledge. Results Questionnaire scores showed increases of: knowledge (96% in at least 3 categories), confidence (100%) with increased capacity to provide appropriate menstrual health hygiene teaching, products, handouts, and guidance based on appropriate assessments. The results showed 92.3% overall positive comments about the menstrual health education provided including expressing enthusiasm for teaching menstrual health to all genders. Overall, 85.7% of people agreed they would use the information learned in this project for future work and found the education valuable. Conclusion The addition of menstrual health trainings with interactive popular education increased CHSEs’ knowledge, comfort, and confidence. Sustainability efforts included recorded lesson content education and encouragement to provide the menstrual cup and health brochure to refugee families upon agency admission.

Menstrual Hygiene Awareness, Challenges and Management for Improving Quality of Life

Menstruation is a normal and necessary part of life, and maintaining proper menstrual hygiene is crucial for women's and girls' health as well as their right to access basic services for sanitation, hygiene, and reproductive health.Thesafe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) aspectof menstrual hygiene has significantly gained attention in recent times. In lowand middle-income nations, womenface significant menstrual hygiene management challenges. These problems stem from a lack of information and inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities.Women frequently struggle with a lack of access to menstrual hygiene products, or if they do, the high priceof sanitary pad render them unaffordable. The lives of vulnerable women are significantly impacted by stigma and period poverty, forcing them to use unhygienic alternatives like dried leaves and soiled old clothes as sanitary pads. The Menstrual Hygiene Day is observed on May 28 because women menstruate on average five days per month and menstrual cycles last an average of 28 days. 25 percent of World Bank education projects included menstrual hygiene management components, such as the provision of sanitary and hygienic restrooms or separate restrooms for boys and girls in their schools.To empower women and tackle misinformation, this study will contribute to raising awareness regarding the management of menstrual hygiene.

Fighting for menstrual equity through period product pantries.

Menstruators facing period poverty often struggle with menstrual hygiene and waste management, which can result in harmful short- and long-term health outcomes such as urinary tract infections, yeast infections, and vulvar contact dermatitis. Research indicates that 42% of menstruators in the United States have difficulty affording period products. Traditional methods of distributing period products through social services may unintentionally undermine menstruators' agency, leading to disempowerment and inefficient resource allocation. Period product pantries are a novel approach aimed at addressing period poverty, inequity, and inadequate menstrual health education in the United States. This paper aims to examine the development, organization, and implementation of two distinct period product pantry networks in Ohio and New York. It seeks to compare the advantages and challenges of grassroots versus nonprofit-led models and to provide practical insights for future pantry operators. The study examines two models of period product pantries: a grassroots effort led by three local residents in Ohio and an initiative spearheaded by a nonprofit organization in New York. The design includes a comparative analysis of both models' organization, funding methods, and operational structures. The authors gathered data on the construction, operation, and usage of two pantry networks, focusing on factors such as accessibility, community engagement, and sustainability. The study employed a combination of qualitative methods, including interviews with organizers, and a review of organizational documents to analyze the effectiveness and scalability of each model. Both pantry networks increased accessibility to period products in low socioeconomic neighborhoods, which are disproportionately affected by period poverty. The grassroots model, while resource-limited, fostered strong community ties and local engagement. The nonprofit-led model benefited from dedicated staff and a more stable funding structure but faced bureaucratic challenges. Despite their differences, both models demonstrated the potential to empower menstruators by preserving their dignity and autonomy. Period product pantries represent an innovative and equitable approach to addressing period poverty and inequity. The analysis of the two models offers valuable insights for organizations and individuals interested in establishing similar initiatives. While each model has its unique benefits and challenges, both are effective in empowering menstruators and providing accessible menstrual hygiene products to those in need. Not applicable.

A STUDY TO ASSESS THE KNOWLEDGE ABOUT MENSTRUAL CUP ITS ACCEPTIBILITY, SAFETY, LEAKEAGE AND AVAILABILITY AMONG THE TEENAGE GIRL AND THEIR MOTHER IN A PARTICULAR RURAL AREA IN BENGALURU

Background: Menstruation is also known as menses or period or monthly discharge of blood and mucosal tissue from the inner lining of uterus through vagina. The first menstrual period usually occurs between 12-15 years of age, called as Menarche. The typical length of time between the first day of one period and the first day of next period is 21-45 days in young women 21-31 days in adults (an average of 28 days). Bleeding usually lasts around 2 to 7 days.Feminine hygiene products are personal care products used during vaginal discharge, and other bodily functions related to the vulva and vagina. Products that are used during menstruation may also be called menstrual hygiene products, including menstrual pads, tampons, menstrual pads, period panties etc. Feminine hygiene products also include products meant to cleanse the vulva or vagina, such as douches, feminine wipes, and soap.Feminine hygiene products are either disposable or reusable. Sanitary napkins, tampons, and pantyliners are disposable feminine hygiene products. Menstrual cups, cloth menstrual pads,period panties, and sponges are reusable feminine hygiene products.Menstrual cup is a device made up of silicon for menstrual hygiene. Despite its being safe, eco-friendly, cheap, and durable its non-acceptability may be due to higher adoption barriers.We conducted this study to assess the acceptability and safety of menstrual cups. Methods: Post-test design and evaluative approach was adopted. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the sample of 60 of teenage and mothers for a period of seven days for data collection. Multiple choice questions, close ended questionnaire and planned teaching programme were used as a tool to assess the knowledge on menstrual cups. The data obtained were analysed in terms of the objectives and it was calculated and tabulated Results: The overall findings are that study shows the majority respondents 30 (76.9%) did not have knowledge regarding menstrual cup and 9 (23.1%) did have knowledge about menstrual cup. Conclusion: The study shows that the respondents had inadequate knowledge regarding menstrual cup. There is a significant increase in post-test scores after the planned teaching programme about menstrual cup and menstrual hygiene.

Cross Sectional Study on Various Menstrual Hygiene Products Used Among College Going Students of Central Gujarat, India

BACKGROUND: In recent years, there has been significant progress in raising awareness about menstruation in Indian society, primarily through educational initiatives and various communication channels. However, one critical aspect that often remains overlooked is menstrual hygiene products. This study aims to bridge this knowledge gap by conducting a quantitative assessment of students' preferences, their level of knowledge, reliability ratings, and acceptability of various menstrual hygiene products. Additionally, the secondary objective is to identify the common challenges and discomforts frequently experienced by women when using these hygiene products. METHODS: This study takes on a descriptive approach, primarily focusing on assessing the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to menstrual hygiene products among young females. Data for this study was collected through online questionnaires and meticulously organized in Excel sheets for comprehensive analysis. RESULTS: Our research involved 186 medical students, the majority of whom displayed a good understanding of menstrual hygiene products and their usage. It is noteworthy that 75% of the students reported facing issues while using these products. However, these challenges did not significantly disrupt their daily activities, indicating their resilience and adaptability in managing these difficulties. CONCLUSION: Disposable pads emerged as the favored menstrual hygiene product among the participants due to their convenience, hygiene, comfort, and high absorption capacity. Nevertheless, it is crucial to acknowledge that users of disposable pads often encounter issues such as skin irritation, leakage, unpleasant odors, and a potential risk of infection. This underscores the need for continuous efforts to improve product design and education surrounding menstrual hygiene to ensure the well-being and comfort of women.

Planning with a gender lens: A gender analysis of pandemic preparedness plans from eight countries in Africa

BackgroundHealth planning and priority setting with a gender lens can help to anticipate and mitigate vulnerabilities that women and girls may experience in health systems, which is especially relevant during health emergencies. This study examined how gender considerations were accounted for in COVID-19 pandemic response planning in a subset of countries in Africa. MethodsMulti-country document review of national pandemic response plans (published before July 2020 and as of March 2022) from Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, and Zambia, supplemented with secondary data on gender representation on planning committees. A gender analysis framework informed the study design and the Morgan et al. matrix guided data extraction and analysis. ResultsAll plans reflected implicit and explicit considerations of the impacts of the pandemic responses on women and girls. Through a gender lens, the implicit considerations focused on ensuring safety and protections (e.g., training, access to personal protective equipment) for community and facility-based health care workers and broad engagement of the community in risk communication. The explicit gender considerations, reflected in a minority of plans, focused on addressing gender-based violence and providing access to essential services (e.g., sexual and reproductive health care, psychosocial supports), products (e.g., menstrual hygiene products) and social protection measures. Women were underrepresented on the COVID-19 planning committees in all countries. ConclusionsThe plans reflected varying national efforts to develop pandemic responses that anticipated and reflected unique vulnerabilities faced by women, though subsequent plans reflected further consideration of gender-relevant impacts compared to initial plans. Embedding a gender lens in emergency preparedness planning furthers equity and could support anticipation and timely mitigation of negative outcomes for women and girls who are often further marginalized during health emergencies.

VAT pass-through: the case of a large and permanent reduction in the market for menstrual hygiene products

AbstractThis paper examines the price effects of a VAT (value-added tax) reduction for menstrual hygiene products in Germany. Several aspects make this VAT reduction particularly interesting: the reduction is exogenous to economic conditions, the reduction was substantial and permanent, and demand can be assumed to be inelastic. We find that the VAT reduction was completely passed through to consumers. In fact, pass-through rates of significantly more than 100% can be observed. We find that the excess pass-through occurred in relatively competitive market segments, and that it is almost fully explained by retailers rounding down prices after the reduction.

The menstrual cup knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of Turkish women in reproductive age

ObjectiveTo evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of Turkish women of reproductive age toward menstrual cup. MethodsThis descriptive study was conducted via online platforms with 301 Turkish women between March-June 2023. The Participant Information Form was used to collect the data. A p value of <0.05 was considered. ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 26.42 ± 7.81 years. The most common used menstrual hygiene product was sanitary pad. Of the women, 72.1 % have heard of the menstrual cup before, however, only 6.6 % of the women used menstrual cups. The 42.9 % of the women who use the menstrual cup had difficulty in using it. The most common concern of women who did not use menstrual cups was that they thought they were uncomfortable and did not know how to use them. Factors such as age, marital status, place of residence, occupation, previous pregnancy and finding the menstrual hygiene product used comfortable was found statistically significantly correlated with the menstrual cup usage. ConclusionIn our study, very few of the women use menstrual cups, and nearly half of them stated that they had difficulty in using it. The participants who did not use the menstrual cup most frequently did not know how to use the cup and did not use it because they thought the cup was uncomfortable. It is essential to increase the awareness of reproductive age women about the menstrual cups.

Sustainable low-cost menstrual hygiene products

Sustainable low-cost menstrual hygiene products

Period Poverty from a Public Health and Legislative Perspective

Period poverty is a global issue that needs to be addressed as a public health crisis. It is directly related to Sustainable Health Goals three, four, five, six, and eight. Period poverty adversely affects the health of anyone capable of menstruating, which is nearly half of the world population, at the physiological, emotional, and psychosocial level. Biases, cultural beliefs, ethical reproductive justice issues, social stigma, and systemic factors contribute to period poverty. Every month, certain menstruators are disproportionately impacted by period poverty and struggle to access basic hygienic necessities. Important stakeholders include not only the individual who experiences menses but also educators and school systems, healthcare professionals, policymakers, public health officials, and researchers. Everyone has a role in addressing period poverty by voting for officials that proactively support legislation, policy, and programs at all levels to effectively advocate for menstrual equity and address barriers contributing to period poverty. This includes policies that increase access to menstrual hygiene products, safe menstrual management methods, and reproductive and women’s health education. Programs globally that focus on capacity building and sustainability strategies can be used as models to reduce period poverty, thereby fostering a sense of empowerment and menstruators’ sense of autonomy, dignity, and equality.

Socio Economic Determinants and Effective Menstrual Management among Primary School Girls in Rural Schools in Nyatike Sub County

Access to menstrual hygiene products is a major challenge facing women and girls in developing countries, including Kenya. This study is about the socioeconomic determinants of menstrual management among girls in Nyatike Sub County. The study was guided by the following specific objectives: to establish the effects of traditional practices on menstrual management among primary school girls, examine the effects of knowledge and awareness of hygiene on menstrual management, analyze the effects of family income on the menstrual management of girls, and assess the current measures that are in place to enhance menstrual health management of girls in rural primary schools in Nyatike Sub County. A descriptive survey design was used, and cluster sampling coupled with simple random sampling was used to select 689 respondents for the questionnaire, who were mainly primary school girls, head teachers and teachers, and the female heads of households. Descriptive analysis showed that 59.3% of the girls have encountered traditional restrictions during their menstruation. About 74.4% of the respondents believe that knowledge about menstrual hygiene has improved their overall confidence and comfort during menstruation. Additionally, 53.2% of the girls always have access to the menstrual hygiene products they need. However, 46.8% still have difficulties obtaining the necessary products. Consequently, 76.8% of the respondents revealed that their schools are sensitizing students about menstrual health and hygiene. The inferential analysis showed that traditional practices have various effects on menstrual management among primary school girls. In conclusion, there is a positive effect of knowledge and awareness of hygiene on menstrual management among primary school girls. It is also clear that most primary schools have implemented some menstrual health management strategies for girls. The study recommends regular awareness and sensitization programs for students, teachers, parents, and the community to eliminate stigma, myths, and misconceptions around menstruation.

Menstrual health matters. Period

Menstrual health is composed of physical and psychosocial factors and fundamental to the well-being of menstruating individuals. Clinicians are urged to assess markers of menstruation as a vital sign, informing potential current and future health risks. Period poverty, or lack of access to menstrual hygiene products, sanitation, and clinical support, is a concern worldwide, particularly for vulnerable populations. As global health authorities and professional medical associations call for menstrual health as a priority, pharmacists are well-positioned to contribute solutions through access, education, advocacy, and research.

Tetrapodal textured Janus textiles for accessible menstrual health

Menstruating individuals without access to adequate hygiene products often improvise with alternatives that pose health risks and limit their participation in society. We describe here a menstrual hygiene product based on low-cost materials, which are integrated onto fabrics to imbue unidirectional permeability. Abody-facing "Janus" fabric top layer comprising ZnO tetrapods spray-coated onto polyester mosquito netting imparts hierarchical texturation, augmenting the micron-scale texturation derived from the weave of the underlying fabric. The asymmetric coating establishes a gradient in wettability, which underpins flash spreading and unidirectional permeability. The hygiene product accommodates a variety of absorptive media, which are sandwiched between the Janus layer and a second outward-facing coated densely woven fabric. An assembled prototype demonstrates outstanding ability to wick saline solutions and a menstrual fluid simulant while outperforming a variety of commercially alternatives. The results demonstrate a versatile menstrual health product that provides a combination of dryness, discretion, washability, and safety.

Perceptions Regarding Menstrual Cups among Medical Students of Tertiary Care Hospitals

Abstract Background: Menstruation is a normal body function and a sign of reproductive health. Today, there is a lot of discussion about menstrual hygiene and its management, which is important for the well-being of women everywhere. Due to traditional beliefs, a lack of awareness and information about ideal sanitary practices, and restricted availability of suitable and cheap menstrual hygiene products, managing menstruation hygiene can be difficult in low-income settings and among school-aged girls. The vaginal menstruation cup is an alternative to sanitary pads or tampons for managing menstrual hygiene. Aims: The aim the study is to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice on menstrual cups among medical students of tertiary medical college. Methodology: The cross-sectional study was conducted among 247 medical students of JSS Medical College, JSS AHER, Mysuru. Data were collected using a semi-structured self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire included sociodemographic profile and questions regarding students’ knowledge, perception, and menstrual cup usage. Data were entered into a Microsoft Excel sheet, and scoring was done and analyzed into descriptive statistics like percentages. Results: Out of 247 students, 98% were aware of menstrual cups and 118 (47.7%) had good knowledge of menstrual cups, 105 (42.5%) had a positive attitude regarding the usage of cups, and 16 (6.4%) practiced using menstrual cups. 59.9% of students reported media as their source of information. Conclusion: The study concludes that even though 98% were aware of menstrual cups, &lt;50% have good knowledge, positive attitude, and practice. Limited knowledge and misconception regarding the menstrual cup should be addressed for better menstrual health and practice.

Precluding Menstrual Cups from the Mainstream: A Prospective Interventional Analysis Among Urban Women in India.

Menstrual cups are considered a viable alternative to other menstrual hygiene products in many developed countries yet majority of women in India use pads and cloth for their menstrual hygiene. This prospective interventional questionnaire-based study was conducted among 100 women who tried cups for three menstrual cycles with the aim of highlighting the challenges posed by socio-cultural factors in India which prevent menstrual cups from becoming a mainstream menstrual hygiene product. Familiarity with pads delayed the switch to menstrual cups even among women who were aware of their benefits. The thought of vaginal insertion was the foremost deterrent along with uncertainty of cup size, need for privacy to sanitise the cup, fear of leakage and infections and familial disapproval. Adaptations to the nuances of cup use were fast and undemanding. No major health concerns were reported with the use of cups. Cultural factors in India pose various challenges to menstrual cup usage. Yet majority of women are likely to continue using menstrual cups after trying them. Women well-versed with sexuality and reproductive health face fewer difficulties and show better compliance. The foremost challenges found by this study are unique to the Indian context and continue to influence the choice of menstrual product.

Red blood cell capacity of modern menstrual products: considerations for assessing heavy menstrual bleeding

BackgroundHeavy menstrual bleeding affects up to one third of menstruating individuals and has a negative impact on quality of life. The diagnosis of heavy menstrual bleeding is based primarily on...

Menstrual Equity in the Criminal Legal System.

Background: Menstrual equity, that is, access to menstrual products and safe menstruating environments, is a basic human right not available to many vulnerable populations. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey with a convenience sample of women involved in the criminal legal system to document experiences with access to hygiene and menstrual products while incarcerated. Results: Of the 156 respondents, 62.6% had to trade or barter to receive even basic hygiene products such as soap or shampoo; food and personal favors were used as the common currency. More than half (53.8%) received less than five menstrual products at intake/initial processing; 29.5% had to trade or barter menstrual hygiene products. Almost one-quarter (23.1%) suffered negative health consequences from prolonged use of products because of limited supply. Discussion: Findings document the lack of menstrual equity among women involved in the criminal legal system. Assuring the human right of menstrual equity in this population requires changes at the legal, the policy, the institutional, and the individual level.

Menstrual hygiene management in flood-affected Pakistan: Addressing challenges and ensuring women's health and dignity.

Pakistan's recent floods have worsened women's and girls' menstrual hygiene problems, compromising their health, dignity, and well-being. Supply chain issues, poor facilities, and cultural stigma limit menstrual products and hygiene management. Gender-sensitive disaster management and menstrual health education programmes can help. The Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP) can provide emergency reproductive health services. Involving men, working with religious leaders, and pre-disaster planning for menstrual hygiene management can help break the taboo and increase access to resources. Meeting ongoing needs requires timely menstrual hygiene product distribution, restocking, and renewal. By addressing these issues, Pakistan can empower post-flood women and girls through economic opportunities and legal protection.

Nonconventional Menstrual Hygiene Products and its Usage among Reproductive age Group Women in India – A Cross-Sectional Study

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.