ABSTRACT
Background: Menstrual cups have been available for decades, but their use in India is limited because of lack of awareness and popularity of sanitary pads. Since they are reusable, they reduce solid waste and are environment friendly. The need of the hour is education, awareness, and availability of the eco-friendly practices when it comes to managing menstrual waste effectively. Once that is taken care of, it will be easy for anyone to make a green switch.Methods: A total 400 medical undergraduate students (females) were given a questionnaire. The objective of the study was to assess knowledge about the menstrual cup among students.Results: Among 400 medical students, 28(7%) of them dint know what a menstrual cup was! 262(70.4%) students were for usage of menstrual cup in virgins. There was no clear picture among students regarding material used in cup manufacture, its emptying time and sterilisation technique. Among 372 students, none of them used a menstrual cup.Conclusions: All the students in the study used sanitary pads, owing to its popularity and promotion. There was lack of awareness about the cup. So, we conclude that menstrual cup needs promotion in India. To boost the adoption rate of menstrual cups, youth should be targeted, who are more open to the idea of environment-friendly products. The Government must conduct awareness programs in the rural areas and work constantly spreading the message across all socio-economic sectors so that we can make the dream of a “pad free country”, a reality soon.
ABSTRACT
Background: Magnesium sulphate is anticonvulsant of choice for eclampsia. Single dose magnesium sulphate therapy was tried for the management of Eclampsia and Imminent Eclampsia considering the low body mass index of Indian population.Methods: A prospective interventional study comprising of total 80 patients having either eclampsia or imminent eclampsia, to whom the Pritchard or a single dose MgSO4 was given alternatively in a tertiary hospital from October 2014 to October 2017. Serum magnesium levels, maternal and perinatal outcome and recurrence of convulsions were evaluated using Student- t test and chi square test.Results: Mean Serum Magnesium levels in eclampsia and imminent eclampsia group at 0 min, 30 min, 4 hours in Pritchard regimen were 1.96mg/dl, 5.85mg/dl, 4.68mg/dl while in single dose regimen it was 1.78mg/dl, 462mg/dl, 3.63mg/dl respectively. Those who received Pritchard regimen showed higher level of Serum magnesium levels at 30 minutes and 4 hours than those receiving single dose. By applying T-test it was found that there is a significant difference in serum magnesium levels range in both group but no statistical difference in the control of convulsions in both groups.Conclusions: With increased and almost widespread use of magnesium sulfate in obstetrics there has been concerns regarding its safety. In the study, although P-values are not significant because of small sample size, there is considerable difference in serum magnesium levels 30 min and 4 hours, recurrence of convulsions and maternal morbidity between Pritchard regimen and single dose regimen. The goal which was achieved with Pritchard regimen previously, now can be achieved with single dose regimen in Indian women. Single dose magnesium sulphate is safe and effective in controlling convulsions with improved maternal and perinatal outcome.