Knowledge, attitude and practice about menstrual cup among healthcare professionals

Abstract

Aim: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice about menstrual cup among health care professionals. Methods: A cross-sectional study was done using structured questionnaire method to collect data among health care professionals in Mangalore. Total sample size of 330 was taken. Results: Out of total 330 participants, 296 (91%) were aware of the menstrual cup and media was their main source of information. Maximum number of participants had a good knowledge about menstrual cups in terms of its various sizes, durability, mechanism of action, material used and mode of sterilization, cost of the cup. 87.6% participants are using sanitary pads currently. Discomfort (54.2%) was the major concern regarding menstrual cup use. A menstruation cup would be used by 137 (42.4%) of the participants if it was made available. Conclusion: Despite of good knowledge about the menstrual cup amongst the health care professionals in the study, practice was found to be poor. Healthcare professionals, who are more open to the idea of eco-friendly products, should be addressed in order to increase the adoption rate of menstruation cups. The government must implement an awareness campaign so that the dream of a pad free country might soon become a reality.