Assess the usage pattern of menstrual cups and its determinants among young health professionals at a tertiary hospital in Puducherry

Abstract

: Menstrual cups are a better alternative for menstrual hygiene but usage among girls and women is limited due to lack of popularity.  The purpose of this study is to assess the usage of menstrual cup and its determinants among young women in health profession.: This is a cross-sectional analytical study designed to collect data among 370 young women who fulfilled the selection criteria using a cluster sampling method. The objectives of the study were assessed with a self-administered questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (chi-square). All statistical analysis was carried out at a 5% level of significance.: Among 370 young women only 29 (7.8%) use a menstrual cup, nearly 90% of them use it because it is comfortable, non-allergic, convenient during travel, and enables free movement. Only 8 (2.2%) have used it earlier but not presently, about 75% of them stopped because of difficulty in insertion. While 333 (90%) of young women have never used a menstrual cup, about 70% presumed menstrual cup insertion would be difficult and uncomfortable. : Young women despite being in the health profession and knowing about menstrual cups do not use them. This highlights the need for efforts to promote awareness regarding the availability and utilization of menstrual cups to empower girls and women in maintaining menstrual hygiene.