8272015 Conversations to break the stigma: assessing the knowledge, attitude, perceptions, and role of men in menstrual hygiene management among male garment factory workers across India

<h3>Objectives</h3> In India’s garment sector, 60% of the workforce is female, with males often in supervisory or co-worker roles. Understanding menstrual issues and fostering empathy for female colleagues is crucial. Our study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of male garment factory workers in India regarding menstruation and their role in supporting women during this time. <h3>Material and Methods</h3> A cross-sectional study was conducted among 178 male workers aged 18 years and above in 8 garment factories across various states in India. A structured interview schedule was used to assess their knowledge of menstruation, menstrual problems, role of men in menstruation, and the associated stigma. Few open-ended questions explored the reasons behind men’s perceptions and behaviours regarding menstruation. <h3>Results</h3> The average age of workers was 34.5±9.8 years, 80% completed secondary education with average income of INR 12722.69±3295.59. Most (76%) were married and 34% were migrants. While 70% had good awareness of menstrual cycle, knowledge about menstrual symptoms and sanitary pad disposal was low. About 13% believed in restricting water and certain foods during menstruation. Most workers (80%) helped their wives with household chores during periods and 70% openly discussed menstruation. However, only 25% had spoken to their children about it, citing reasons like shyness and the topic would be better discussed by their wives. Nearly half felt empathetic when their wife discussed menstruation, while others felt uncomfortable, irritated, or disgusted. Stigma among male workers was due to lack of knowledge, viewing menstruation as a woman’s issue, and reluctance to discuss it. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Our study found that while workers had good knowledge about menstruation, attitudes and perceptions still showed stigma, making it a taboo topic. Based on these findings, we conducted health education sessions in these factories for male workers and supervisors to break the stigma and create a period-friendly workplace.