An assessment of knowledge and practices relating to the usage of sanitary pads

Authors

  • Namrita Rai Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan
  • Faine Crimbly Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan
  • Summaya Aftab Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan
  • Aleena Baig Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan
  • Nathaline Fernandes Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan
  • Syed Uzair Mahmood Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20191368

Keywords:

Sanitary pads, Sanitary napkin, Menstrual napkins, Menstruation, Menorrhea, Menses, Menstrual hygiene, Menstrual health, Menstrual habits, Reproductive tract infections

Abstract

Background: The knowledge of the proper use, disposal of sanitary pads, and its related side effects during menstruation is a vital aspect of a woman’s well-being. Use of sanitary pads appropriately and replacing them on time are essential practices needed to maintain menstrual hygiene. Failure to do so may lead to detrimental consequences that could affect the health of women and make them susceptible to reproductive tract infections. Objectives were to assess a range of factors considered by female about the usage of sanitary pads and the various methods employed regarding its disposal.

Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted from March to June 2018, in the city of Karachi, by students of Jinnah Sindh Medical University. A sampling technique was used to select 391 females. Data collection was carried out using a structured questionnaire, by convenience sampling. Response of the participants was acquired using a 5-point Likert scale.

Results: In total, 391 females from the city took part in this study; their ages ranging between 15-45 years. 95.7% of these females preferred sanitary pads over cloth, tampons, menstrual cups and toilet paper. Many women using sanitary pads believed, pads should be replaced often while menstruating and failure to do so may increase the risk of contracting infections (p≤0.01).

Conclusions: The findings showed that a significant number of women are aware of the risks associated with sanitary napkins and have adequate knowledge related to its proper usage. The study also presented no significant risk of adverse effects associated with the use of sanitary pads.

References

Calculated by Statista, based on the United Nations data and Simmons National Consumer Survey (NHCS), 2018.

Ali TS, Rizvi SN. Menstrual knowledge and practices of female adolescents in urban Karachi, Pakistan. J Adolesc. 2010;33(4):531-41.

El-Gilany AH, Badawi K, El-Fedawy S. Menstrual hygiene among adolescent schoolgirls in Mansoura, Egypt. Reprod Health Matters. 2005;13(26):147-52.

Eason EL, Feldman P. Contact dermatitis associated with the use of Always sanitary napkins. CMAJ. 1996;154(8):1173-6.

Abulizi G, Li H, Mijiti P, Abulimiti T, Cai J, Gao J. Risk factors for human papillomavirus infection prevalent among Uyghur women from Xinjiang, China. Oncotarget. 2017;8(58):97955-64.

Kaur R, Kaur K. Menstrual Hygiene, Management, and Waste Disposal: Practices and Challenges Faced by Girls/Women of Developing Countries. J Environ Public Health. 2018;2018:1730964.

Ashley R, Blackwood D, Souter N, Hendry S, Moir J, Dunkerley J. Sustainable disposal of domestic sanitary waste. J Environ Eng. 2005;131(2):206–15.

Woeller KE, Hochwalt AE. Safety assessment of sanitary pads with a polymeric foam absorbent core. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2015;73(1):419-24.

Rademaker M. Allergic contact dermatitis to a sanitary pad. Australas J Dermatol. 2004;45(4):234-5.

Williams JD, Frowen KE, Nixon RL. Allergic contact dermatitis from methyldibromo glutarontrile in a sanitary pad and review of Australian clinic data. Contact Dermatitis. 2007;56(3):164-7.

Wujanto L, Wakelin S. Allergic contact dermatitis to colophonium in a sanitary pad-an overlooked allergen? Contact Dermatitis. 2012;66(3):161-2.

Scorgie F, Foster J, Stadler J, Phiri T, Hoppenjans L, Rees H. "Bitten By Shyness": Menstrual Hygiene Management, Sanitation, and the Quest for Privacy in South Africa. Med Anthropol. 2016;35(2):161-76.

Shanbhag D, Shilpa R, D'Souza N, Josephine P. Perceptions regarding menstruation and practices during menstrual cycles among high school going adolescent girls in resource limited settings around Bangalore city, Karnataka, India. Int J Collab Res Intern Med Public Health. 2012;4:1353–62.

Kumar A, Srivastava K. Cultural and social practices regarding menstruation among adolescent girls. Soc Work Public Health. 2011;26(6):594-604.

Mason L, Nyothach E, Alexander K, Odhiambo FO, Eleveld A, Vulule J, et al. 'We keep it secret so no one should know'-a qualitative study to explore young schoolgirls attitudes and experiences with menstruation in rural western Kenya. PLoS One. 2013;8(11):79132.

Downloads

Published

2019-03-27

How to Cite

Rai, N., Crimbly, F., Aftab, S., Baig, A., Fernandes, N., & Mahmood, S. U. (2019). An assessment of knowledge and practices relating to the usage of sanitary pads. International Journal Of Community Medicine And Public Health, 6(4), 1411–1415. https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20191368

Issue

Section

Original Research Articles