Impact of imparting knowledge and awareness on the usage of menstrual cups: A study based on project ‘Thinkal’ at Alappuzha Municipality in Kerala

OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of educating and creating awareness among women on Menstrual Cups (M-Cups) as a healthy, safe, easy-to- use and affordable menstrual hygiene product with the support of medical professionals. STUDY DESIGN: A two-group, non-randomized cross-sectional study. METHODS: The M-Cup awareness creation was carried out through the project ‘Thinkal’ and 4345 cups were distributed among the beneficiaries of Alappuzha Municipality in two separate groups. One group received awareness with the help of medical professionals and experienced users whereas the other group collected the M-Cup from the distribution centres (Municipality and Community Development Society) along with the information pamphlets without attending awareness sessions initially. RESULTS: Among the women who received the M-Cups without attending the awareness session, only 20.7% started using the M-Cup, where as 40.6% who received awareness, started the usage which is approximately double. CONCLUSIONS: A well curated awareness session was the most important factor which helped in transforming a woman into an M-Cup user.