Awareness, Usage and Environmental Perceptions of Menstrual Cups Among Women in Idukki District, Kerala

Abstract

The increasing use of disposable menstrual hygiene products has contributed significantly to environmental pollution due to the generation of non-biodegradable menstrual waste. Menstrual cups have emerged as a sustainable and reusable alternative that can reduce waste while promoting safe menstrual hygiene practices. The present study examines the awareness, usage, and environmental perception of menstrual cups among women in Idukki District, Kerala. A descriptive research design was adopted, and primary data were collected from 114 women aged 15–49 years using a structured questionnaire. The collected data were analysed using descriptive statistical techniques, including frequency and percentage analysis. The findings reveal that 93.9% of the respondents were aware of menstrual cups, and 89.5% knew that they are reusable; however, only 26.3% were currently using menstrual cups, while 71.1% continued to rely on disposable sanitary pads. Social media emerged as the primary source of information (54.4%), followed by friends and family members (30.7%). Comfort, cost savings, and environmental concerns were the major reasons for adopting menstrual cups, whereas fear of insertion, leakage, and cleaning difficulties remained the principal barriers to their use. The study further found that 79.8% of the respondents recognised that disposable sanitary pads generate non-biodegradable waste, 63.2% believed that menstrual cups could substantially reduce menstrual waste, and 57.9% expressed willingness to use menstrual cups for environmental reasons. The study concludes that although awareness of menstrual cups is high, their adoption remains comparatively low because of practical and psychological barriers. Strengthening awareness programmes, providing practical demonstrations, and promoting community-based menstrual health education can improve the acceptance of menstrual cups and contribute to environmentally sustainable menstrual hygiene management.