Maryam Gharacheh1, Fahimeh Ranjbar2, Negar Hajinasab3, Shima Haghani1. 1. Nursing Care Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 2. Nursing Care Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. ranjbar.f@iums.ac.ir. 3. Student Research Committee, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Menstrual cup is one of the menstrual management products that is available throughout the world and can be effective in improving women's quality of life by empowering women in menstrual management. Although menstrual cups have recently entered the Iranian market, the use of this product is limited among women. The aim of this study was to determine the acceptability and safety of menstrual cups among Iranian women. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in 2020. Iranian women between the ages of 18 and 50 with regular menstrual periods who used the menstrual cup at least for three months were included. Participants were selected through continuous sampling, and they completed a web-based questionnaire including a demographic characteristics form as well as checklists on acceptability and safety through a link sent electronically via social media. RESULTS: The mean score of the overall satisfaction with the cup was 6.54 ± 0.76, and the leakage had the lowest mean score among the satisfaction items (5.25 ± 1.63). About 83% of participants reported experiencing menstrual cup leakage. Among the reported health risks, the highest mean score was for vaginal pain during removal (23.9%). Most participants (83.9%) were familiar with the cup via social networks and 98.6% recommended this product to other women. CONCLUSIONS: The high level of acceptability and safety of the menstrual cup showed that this product is a suitable alternative for menstrual management in Iranian women. The results of the study help healthcare providers to learn more about the potential advantages and disadvantages of using cup and create trust in the menstrual cup use based on the results of local evidence-based research.
BACKGROUND: Menstrual cup is one of the menstrual management products that is available throughout the world and can be effective in improving women's quality of life by empowering women in menstrual management. Although menstrual cups have recently entered the Iranian market, the use of this product is limited among women. The aim of this study was to determine the acceptability and safety of menstrual cups among Iranian women. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in 2020. Iranian women between the ages of 18 and 50 with regular menstrual periods who used the menstrual cup at least for three months were included. Participants were selected through continuous sampling, and they completed a web-based questionnaire including a demographic characteristics form as well as checklists on acceptability and safety through a link sent electronically via social media. RESULTS: The mean score of the overall satisfaction with the cup was 6.54 ± 0.76, and the leakage had the lowest mean score among the satisfaction items (5.25 ± 1.63). About 83% of participants reported experiencing menstrual cup leakage. Among the reported health risks, the highest mean score was for vaginal pain during removal (23.9%). Most participants (83.9%) were familiar with the cup via social networks and 98.6% recommended this product to other women. CONCLUSIONS: The high level of acceptability and safety of the menstrual cup showed that this product is a suitable alternative for menstrual management in Iranian women. The results of the study help healthcare providers to learn more about the potential advantages and disadvantages of using cup and create trust in the menstrual cup use based on the results of local evidence-based research.
Authors: Penelope A Phillips-Howard; Elizabeth Nyothach; Feiko O Ter Kuile; Jackton Omoto; Duolao Wang; Clement Zeh; Clayton Onyango; Linda Mason; Kelly T Alexander; Frank O Odhiambo; Alie Eleveld; Aisha Mohammed; Anna M van Eijk; Rhiannon Tudor Edwards; John Vulule; Brian Faragher; Kayla F Laserson Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2016-11-23 Impact factor: 2.692
Authors: Anna Maria van Eijk; Garazi Zulaika; Madeline Lenchner; Linda Mason; Muthusamy Sivakami; Elizabeth Nyothach; Holger Unger; Kayla Laserson; Penelope A Phillips-Howard Journal: Lancet Public Health Date: 2019-07-16