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. 2022 Oct;72(5):439-445.
doi: 10.1007/s13224-022-01661-8. Epub 2022 May 20.

The Understanding and Perception of the Menstrual Cup Among Medical Students

Chelene Ganz  1 , Eliezer Lever  1 , Juane Bredenkamp  1 , Lindiwe Mponda  1 , Thabelo Ramaru  1 , Woniso Mazonde  1 , Sekedi Chuene  2 , Langanani Mbodi  3
Affiliations

The Understanding and Perception of the Menstrual Cup Among Medical Students

Chelene Ganz et al. J Obstet Gynaecol India. 2022 Oct.

Abstract

Background: Menstruation and menstrual health management remains a challenge worldwide, largely owing to gender inequality, social and cultural stigma, inaccessibility, and poverty. Menstrual cups may offer solutions to the many challenges. The role of medical students in the promotion of women's health cannot be understated.

Objectives: To investigate the understanding and perception of medical students on the use, safety, and efficacy of the menstrual cup as a menstrual hygiene product.

Methods: This was a prospective, cross-sectional, quantitative study conducted at the University of the Witwatersrand on medical students. Questionnaires were emailed to students. The study was approved by the Wits HREC (M200885). Statistical software SPSS® 23.0 was used.

Results: Two hundred and fifteen participants were recruited. One hundred and seventy-eight were included and analyzed; 58.93% had a basic understanding of the menstrual cup as a menstrual hygiene product (p < 0.001). There was an association between the gender of the respondents and knowledge of the device (p < 0.0001). Females were 7.467 times more likely to have heard about it. There was an association between gender and understanding the cost-effectiveness (p = 0.01), the year of study, and understanding of how it works (p = 0.012). The majority perceived the menstrual cup as convenient in terms of use, comfort, hygiene, and safety.

Conclusion: It is important that the menstrual cup is not only introduced to society but also promoted and receives endorsement by healthcare workers. There is an understanding regarding the use, safety, and efficacy of the MC and a willingness to advise for use.

Keywords: Menstrual Cup; Menstrual Hygiene Products; Menstruation; Perception of Menstrual Cup.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interestThe authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Graph depicting the perceptions of participants regarding the menstrual cup as a menstrual hygiene product
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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