Knowledge, Attitude and Practice regarding Menstrual cup Use among Medical and Paramedical Students and Staffs: A Cross-Sectional Study from Eastern India
Keywords:
Awareness, Menstrual hygiene, Menstrual cup, TamponsAbstract
Background: Menstrual cups are a safe and sustainable alternative for menstrual hygiene management; however, their uptake remains limited in India.
Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding menstrual cup use among medical and paramedical students and staff in a tertiary medical college in Odisha, Eastern India.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among females aged 18–45 years using simple random sampling. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire administered through Epicollect-5. Knowledge was assessed using a nine-item scoring system and categorized as poor, average, or good. Attitude and practice were evaluated using structured questions on perceived safety, willingness to use, and menstrual hygiene practices. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27.0.
Results: Of 582 participants approached, 538 were included in the final analysis. Awareness of menstrual cups was reported by 79%, but only 15.6% demonstrated good knowledge. Knowledge scores were significantly higher among MBBS students compared to Allied Health Sciences (mean ± SD: 5.15 ± 1.93 vs. 2.93 ± 2.68; p < 0.001). Allied Health Sciences participants showed more favorable attitudes toward use. Sanitary pads were the predominant menstrual hygiene product (96.9%). Only 2.2% reported current MC use.
Conclusion: Despite relatively high awareness, menstrual cup use remains low. Targeted educational and behavioral interventions are needed to improve knowledge and promote the adoption of menstrual cups.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Surama Manjari Behera, Priyamadhaba Behera, E. Venkata Rao, Binod Kumar Patro, Md Shaney Ali
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