RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Menstrual hygiene management poses significant challenges globally, with widespread reliance on disposable sanitary pads contributing to health risks and environmental degradation. Sustainable alternatives like menstrual cups offer promising solutions but face barriers to adoption, including myths and misconceptions. Educational interventions are crucial in promoting eco-friendly menstrual hygiene practices. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Nagpur (Central India) among nursing officers from January to February 2022. A structured questionnaire assessed the demographic characteristics, menstrual hygiene practices, knowledge of menstrual cups, and attitude toward their use. RESULTS: Of the 101 participants, the majority were between the age group of 25 and 40 years (71, 70.3%) and were educated up to a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (79, 78.21%). Overwhelmingly, 97 (96.03%) of the nursing officers used non-biodegradable sanitary pads. Frequent need to change and staining were cited as common difficulties. Although 97 (96.04%) of the participants had heard of menstrual cups, knowledge gaps existed regarding suitability for nulliparous women, material composition, cost, and lifespan. Despite expressing a desire for better alternatives by 56 (55.4%) participants, only one (0.99%) reported current menstrual cup usage, with 60 (59.4%) participants indicating future readiness to use. CONCLUSION: Discovering nurses' menstrual hygiene habits, this study sheds light on their reliance on disposable pads over menstrual cups. Improving the acceptability of menstrual cups hinges on addressing current knowledge gaps such as their feasibility for use by nulliparous women, ease of insertion, cost, and environmental sustainability. Despite hurdles like misinformation, participants show openness to embracing new options with the right guidance and education.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Mass Drug Administration (MDA) coverage remains an important indicator in elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis (LF), especially in context of recent changes in programme strategies in India, such as incorporation of Ivermectin and involvement of urban Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs). This study aimed at assessing the coverage and compliance with MDA of Filariasis as well as exploring perspective of beneficiaries for non-consumption in selected slum area of Nagpur city. METHODS: Mixed-method study design comprising of quantitative assessment of MDA coverage, followed by qualitative method to explore the reasons of non-compliance was used in selected slum areas of Nagpur city. Using cluster sampling, 240 households were selected and house-to-house visits were made to interview the eligible participants. In-depth interviews were conducted among selected non-compliant participants. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify the factors associated with non-consumption. Thematic analysis was done to obtain the reasons of non-consumption as perceived by the beneficiaries. RESULTS: Among the 1096 individuals studied, distribution and consumption coverage were 55.2% and 48.5%, respectively. Effective supervised consumption was further low (28.9%). Coverage compliance gap (CCG) was 12.1%. Male sex and younger age (2-5 years) were significant socio-demographic determinants of non-consumption. No repeat visit to houses left in first round, fear of side effects, pill burden, poor understanding about the need were important reasons as revealed by qualitative inquiry. CONCLUSION: Effective pre-campaign awareness, incorporation of context specific drug delivery strategies and strengthening monitoring system are essential for successful MDA implementation.
