Concerns and Willingness to Use Menstrual Cup Among Healthcare Personnel: A Mixed-Method Study From Tertiary Care Institute in North India

Abstract Introduction: The menstrual cup is a sustainable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional menstrual hygiene products, offering long-term comfort and protection. This study aims to assess knowledge and perception regarding menstrual cups among healthcare personnel and explore their perception of the menstrual cup. Methods: A cross-sectional mixed-method study was conducted among 248 female healthcare personnel at a tertiary care institute in northern India. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data and an in-depth interview guide among 31 participants was used to explore perceptions about the cup. Knowledge was assessed across eight domains, and a score was calculated. A score of “8” was considered as having adequate knowledge and any score between “1-7” was considered partial knowledge and a score of “0” as no knowledge . Categorical variables were presented as frequency (%) and continuous variables as mean (±SD). A Chi-square test was conducted to see the association of sociodemographic characteristics with adequate knowledge. A P -value < 0.05 was considered significant. The qualitative data were coded, thematically analyzed, and triangulated with quantitative data. Results: Very few (1.7%) of the participants had adequate knowledge about the cup regarding its size , type of material, method of insertion and removal, cleaning, duration of use, and source of obtaining the cup . The perceived barriers to cup usage were limited knowledge, pain in using a menstrual cup, fear of infection, sudden expulsion of the cup from the body, retention in the body, or loss of virginity . Current users reported cups as a better alternative to sanitary napkins, being free of side effects, cheaper, convenient, and eco-friendly. Conclusion: There is a need to equip healthcare professionals with adequate knowledge about the menstrual cup and address their misconceptions. This will potentially help women adopt safe, cost-effective, and eco-friendly menstrual hygiene methods like a menstrual cup.