Acceptability of menstrual cups as a sustainable, cost-effective, and non-polluting menstrual hygiene solution for menstrual health in India
Client Name: University of Liverpool
Location: Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh
Background Context: A study conducted by Mann Global Health in 2021 estimates that over 400,000 menstrual cups are sold in India annually and India is the largest market for menstrual cups amongst all other low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Given that there is limited data on the safety and acceptability of menstrual cups from the Indian or South Asian context this study was designed as the first step in addressing these research gaps.
Objectives
Development Solutions was commissioned to study focused on understanding the experience of girls and women with menstrual cups – use of the product, ability to reuse and maintain hygiene, facilities for ensuring hygiene and any other socio-cultural issues that affect the use of the product in the context of India and South Asia. The key objectives of this study were to:
- Understand the acceptability of menstrual cups as a non-polluting solution for girls and women in India in varying contexts
- Understand the differential impact on uptake and use of only providing knowledge and training on cup use when compared to the provision of cups with the potential for voluntary use
- Understanding of the practical inputs on the eco-system requirements that need to be built in for effective uptake of menstrual cups
Approach and Methodology
- Method/ Design: A mixed methods approach was used to gather quantitative and qualitative data from respondents as baseline, midline and end-line. Individual quantitative data collection was done using Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) and focus group discussions were conducted with respondents. The study was designed to asses respondents grouped under two conditions:
- Intervention Group: Girls and women were given the same training and are assured access to a menstrual cup through the study, with the option of voluntary use.
- Control Group: Girls and women were given information and training but left to navigate market barriers to access the cup by themselves.
- Key Respondents/ Informants: Menstruators; mothers, who are first time users and have daughters under 18 who are menstruating; health care providers; study facilitators
- Key Areas of Inquiry: Knowledge, attitudes and practices related to menstrual health and hygiene, product use and disposal; affordability and market access; contextual and cultural barriers to both adoption and use; uptake and use of cups and shifts in key knowledge, attitudes and practices related to menstrual health and hygiene
- Sample: 343
Impact
Contact
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