Exploring menstrual hygiene products’ usage and health problems associated with menstruation in India: A nationwide survey

Introduction: Health issues related to menstruation are often neglected and there lies a complete absence of health-seeking behavior. This study aimed to explore the usage of different Menstrual Hygiene Products (MHP), and menstrual problems among Indian menstruators. Material and Methods: A mixed method study was conducted over a period of two months using an online pretested semistructured questionnaire with sections on sociodemographic profile, MHP usage, and menstrual problems. A Google Form link was disseminated through various social media platforms. Data were extracted into Excel spreadsheets and analyzed using EpiData analysis. Results: 787 participants took part in this survey. The mean age of participants was 25.5 (±6.9) years. Sanitary pads (91.7%) were the most common MHP used irrespective of the sociodemographic profile of the menstruators; followed by menstrual cups (13.8%), cloth (5.8%), cloth pads (4.4%), period panties (3.9%) and tampons (2.8%). Median Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) on MHP was Indian National Rupee (INR) 106.5 (Inter-quartile range 80–250) per month. 78% of participants faced at least one menstrual problem (mood swings most common) and 17% faced Coronavirus disease pandemic-related menstrual problems. Conclusion: To combat the growing problem of disposable MHP waste, period poverty, and poor menstrual health-seeking behavior; Government and nongovernmental organizations need to work together and create awareness about hygienic usage of sustainable MHP.