Awareness of Menstrual Cups Among Postgraduate Students at the University of Mysore

Abstract

Menstrual hygiene is a critical aspect of women's health, yet sustainable menstrual products like the menstrual cup remain underutilized due to awareness gaps, misconceptions, and cultural barriers. This study assesses the awareness, perceptions, and adoption barriers of menstrual cups among postgraduate students at the University of Mysore. Structured questionnaires were used to gather data from 100 female students as part of a descriptive study design. Findings reveal that while 45% of students are aware of menstrual cups, only 15% have used them. Science students demonstrated higher awareness (60%) compared to arts and commerce students (40%). Key barriers to adoption include concerns about hygiene (50%), perceived difficulty in usage (35%), and cultural stigma (60% among arts/commerce students). Despite these challenges, 60% of respondents expressed willingness to try a menstrual cup, indicating potential for increased adoption with targeted awareness programs. A chi-square test was applied to assess the relationship between academic background and menstrual cup awareness and adoption, yielding a p-value of 0.0645, suggesting no statistically significant association at the 5% level. The study recommends structured educational interventions, peer advocacy, and policy support to promote menstrual cup usage as a viable and sustainable alternative for menstrual hygiene management.