COMPARATIVE STUDY ON ATTITUDE TOWARDS MENSTRUAL CUP USE AMONG URBAN AND RURAL WOMEN, MANGALORE

This comparative study investigates the attitude towards menstrual cup usage among urban and rural women in Mangalore. With sanitary napkins contributing significantly to solid waste and environmental pollution, exploring eco-friendly alternatives like menstrual cups becomes crucial. In the quest to address the environmental impact of sanitary napkin waste, this study delves into the attitudes of urban and rural women in Mangalore towards menstrual cup adoption. The focus lies on the potential shift from traditional sanitary pads to the more sustainable and cost-effective menstrual cups, which remain relatively underutilized among Indian women. By surveying 60 participants, evenly distributed between urban and rural settings, the research aims to unveil the perceptions and inclinations towards menstrual cup usage in these distinct communities. Sanitary napkins, prevalent in menstrual hygiene practices, pose challenges due to their contribution to solid waste and subsequent environmental harm. Introducing menstrual cups as an eco-friendly alternative requires understanding and addressing the attitudes and acceptance levels among women in varied socio-cultural backgrounds. The utilization of an attitude scale in interviews allows for a comprehensive analysis of factors influencing the adoption of menstrual cups, shedding light on the barriers and facilitators in urban and rural contexts. This comparative study not only explores the current awareness levels but also seeks to uncover the underlying factors shaping the attitudes towards menstrual cup use, paving the way for informed interventions promoting sustainable menstrual hygiene practices in Mangalore.