Experiences, awareness, perceptions and attitudes of women and girls towards menstrual hygiene management and safe menstrual products in Pakistan
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 22081049 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Madeeha Malik (0000-0001-5824-9405, corresponding author), Ayisha Hashmi (0000-0002-7930-5231), Azhar Hussain (0000-0002-5473-1592, Pak-Austria Fachhochschule: Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology), Waleed Khan, Waleed Ali Khan (0000-0001-5597-023X), Nabia Jahangir, Anam Malik (0000-0002-3297-1827), Naima Ansari |
| Year | 2023 |
| Volume | 11 |
| Pages | 1242169-1242169 |
| Publication date | 2023-09-07 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Frontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565 |
| Publisher | Frontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH) |
| DOI | 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1242169 |
| PMID | 37744511 |
| OpenAlex | W4386503787 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 6 |
| References cited | 20 |
Background The taboo of menstruation, lack of discussion on puberty, misinformation and poor awareness on menstrual hygiene management and limited access to safe menstrual products can negatively impact the physical and mental health of women and girls residing in low middle income countries. Aim The aim of the study was to explore the experiences, awareness, perceptions and attitudes of women and girls towards menstrual hygiene management in Pakistan. Moreover, the study also assessed consumer satisfaction towards locally manufactured organic menstrual products. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used with a sample of 400 women and girls selected through convenience sampling from high schools, universities, outpatient department and gynaecological clinics located in 2 cities, i.e., Islamabad and Rawalpindi, Pakistan. A pre-structured questionnaire was used to explore experiences, awareness, perceptions and attitudes of women and girls towards menstrual hygiene management. Moreover, each respondent was provided with sample of locally designed and manufactured organic menstrual hygiene & wellness kit by a group of women researchers named “FemPure” including organic sanitary pads, feminine wellness mist and feminine wellness wash. The respondents were asked to use the products and a telephonic follow-up was conducted to assess consumer satisfaction for the products after a period of 1 month. Data was analyzed statistically using SPSS 21. Results The results of the study reported that 86.2% ( n = 345) of the respondents had normal periods. Out of 400 respondents, 58.5% ( n = 234) knew about any health conditions related to abnormal menstrual cycle while 88.3% ( n = 353) were aware of female menstrual hygiene. Majority of the respondents 78.7% ( n = 315) felt ashamed while buying sanitary pads. Out of 400 respondents, 5.4% ( n = 22) were interested in getting awareness regarding menstrual hygiene. The results of the study showed that all the respondents (100%, n = 400) were satisfied with FemPure organic menstrual products. Conclusion The study concluded that majority of women and girls faced menstrual hygiene issues during and after the cycle and were eager to receive information on MHM and use organic rash free menstrual wellness products which could be ordered via mobile app. The respondents were satisfied after the use of FemPure organic menstrual products
Environmental health · Family medicine · Hygiene · Menstrual cycle · Menstruation · Respondent · Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies · Dietetics, Nutrition, and Education · Medicine · Menstrual Health and Disorders
Addressing the commercial determinants of menstrual health
Beyond the Bin
Sensitization Programme on Usage of Organic Pads During Menstruation Among Early Adolescent Girls at Vijayapur District
Evaluation of health-related quality of life of female students suffering from primary dysmenorrhea
A conceptual study of menstruation taboos and intangible pain
Period poverty in Pakistan
| Citations per year | 3 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2024 - 2026 (3) |
| Highly cited | No |