A Community-Based Interventional Study on Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice on Usage and Management of Menstrual Products Among College Students


Year : 2024 | Volume : 11 | Issue : 03 | Page : 68-74
    By

    Swathi Gopinath,

  • Ramdas Bhat,

  • Shynia Neola Dsouza,

  • Fathima Tabsheera,

  • Krishnananda Kamath,

  1. PG Scholar, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Srinivas College of Pharmacy, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
  2. Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Srinivas College of Pharmacy, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
  3. PG Scholar, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Srinivas College of Pharmacy, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
  4. PG Scholar, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Srinivas College of Pharmacy, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
  5. Professor, Department of Pharmaceutics, Srinivas College of Pharmacy, Mangalore, Karnataka, India

Abstract

Background and Aim: Menstruation is a fundamental physiological process affecting women’s health and well-being. Despite advancements, many women still face challenges in menstrual hygiene management due to lack of awareness, cultural taboos, and limited access to proper menstrual products and disposal methods. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding menstrual product usage and management among college students in Dakshina Kannada, India, and evaluate the impact of an educational intervention. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted with 150 female college students aged 18–24 years. Data was collected using a pre-validated self-administered questionnaire before and after an educational intervention. Results: Pre-intervention, 94% of participants used sanitary pads, while 4.66% used menstrual cups. Most participants (79.33%) gained knowledge about menstrual products from friends and family. Annual expenditure on menstrual products ranged from ₹1000 to ₹2000 for the majority. Initially, 58% were aware of government programs providing free or subsidized menstrual products, and 82% knew about ideal disposal techniques. Post-intervention, awareness of government programs increased to 98.67%, and all participants gained knowledge of proper disposal methods. Conclusion: The study revealed gaps in knowledge about proper menstrual product usage, management, and disposal. The intervention significantly improved awareness of government programs and proper disposal techniques. Findings highlight the need for comprehensive menstrual health education, addressing product choices, hygienic practices, and environmentally friendly disposal methods.

Keywords: Menstrual hygiene, sanitary napkins, menstrual cups, college students, knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP)

[This article belongs to Trends in Drug Delivery (tdd)]

How to cite this article:
Swathi Gopinath, Ramdas Bhat, Shynia Neola Dsouza, Fathima Tabsheera, Krishnananda Kamath. A Community-Based Interventional Study on Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice on Usage and Management of Menstrual Products Among College Students. Trends in Drug Delivery. 2024; 11(03):68-74.
How to cite this URL:
Swathi Gopinath, Ramdas Bhat, Shynia Neola Dsouza, Fathima Tabsheera, Krishnananda Kamath. A Community-Based Interventional Study on Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice on Usage and Management of Menstrual Products Among College Students. Trends in Drug Delivery. 2024; 11(03):68-74. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/tdd/article=2024/view=180399


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 11
Issue 03
Received 16/09/2024
Accepted 26/09/2024
Published 28/10/2024
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