A Study on Challenges Involved in the Disposal of Sanitary Pads and the Issues of Menstrual Health

With the background of the present situation of challenges of disposal of waste, the author was inquisitive to study the challenges of disposing of the used sanitary pads, which is causing a huge public nuisance by creating huge landfills across the globe. The government has categorised the waste into wet waste and dry waste, wherein the sanitary pads do not fall into either category, so it is mishandled by the users. Sufficient literature review was conducted, and gap was identified. The present study is undertaken to understand the level of awareness of the consequences of unscientific ways of disposal of sanitary pads about health and hygiene as well as environmental concerns. An empirical study is undertaken in the Dakshina Kannada district and the Udupi district. A conceptual framework was developed and the hypothesis was framed and tested. Descriptive data analysis, tabular and graphical representation, and chi-square analysis were done to analyse the survey results. The process had a socially relevant outcome, which was suggested to the policymakers.