A Pilot study on "Assessment of Knowledge and Attitude of disposing the used napkin of HIV infected women visiting in HIV specific Clinic in King George's Medical University, Lucknow
Main Article Content
Abstract
Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) continues to be a major global health concern according to the World Health Organization (WHO).Rapid population growth, extensive urbanization, and cultural diversity all contribute to this problem in the nation. Menstrual hygiene products, especially disposable sanitary napkins, are a major waste management concern. Aims & Objectives: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of HIV-infected women regarding the disposal of used sanitary napkins, with a focus on their awareness of health and environmental risks and the influence of education on hygienic practices. Methodology-We conducted a cross-sectional study among 61 females. We used a pre-tested self-administered questionnaire to assess HIV-infected women's knowledge and attitude towards disposing of used napkins. Results: The results show that there was a strong link between education and knowing that bad hygiene during menstruation can lead to infections (p=0.0001), between education and practicing good hygiene (p=0.0026), between education and using menstrual products (p=0.000), and between education and how often changing menstrual products (p=0.0009). Conclusion: Addressing menstrual hygiene through education, healthcare, and sanitation reduces health risks and environmental harm. Proper disposal of biomedical waste, including HIV-contaminated materials, vital for preventing infections and ensuring sustainability.
Downloads
Article Details
Section
How to Cite
References
1. Balasubramanian M. Municipal solid waste management in India: Status, problems and challenges. Int J Environ Waste Manag. 2018;21:253–68. doi:10.1504/IJEWM.2018.093435. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1504/IJEWM.2018.093435
2. Chandar D, Vaishnavi Y, Priyan S, S GK. Awareness and practices of menstrual hygiene among females of reproductive age in rural Puducherry - A mixed method study. Int J Adolesc Med Health. 2018;33:2017–21. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/ijamh-2017-0221
3. Chapparbandi SR, Nigudgi SR. A cross-sectional study on menstrual hygiene of adolescent girls in rural field practice area of Kalaburagi, Karnataka, India. Int J Community Med Public Health. 2017;3:2233–6. DOI: https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20162576
4. Das P, Baker KK, Dutta A, Swain T, Sahoo S, Das BS, et al. Menstrual hygiene practices, WASH access, and risk of urogenital infection in women from Odisha, India. PLoS One. 2015;10(6):e0130777. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0130777
5. Jogdand K, Yerpude P. Community-based study on menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls. Indian J Matern Child Health. 2011;13(3):1–6.
6. World Health Organization. HIV and AIDS. Fact Sheet. 2023. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hiv-aids/
7. Gupta M, Agarwal R, Sinha A. Knowledge and practices regarding menstrual hygiene among women of reproductive age group in a rural area of Haryana, India. J Family Med Prim Care. 2020;9(2):912–7.
8. Sharma R, Bansal P. Menstrual hygiene: knowledge, practices and restrictions among adolescent girls in India. Int J Community Med Public Health. 2019;6(8):3322–8. DOI: https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20192591
9. Tegegne TK, Sisay MM. Menstrual hygiene management and school absenteeism among female adolescent students in Northeast Ethiopia. BMC Public Health. 2021;21:1024.
10. Hennegan J, Winkler IT, Bobel C, Keiser D, Hampton J, Larsson G, et al. Menstrual health: a definition for policy, practice, and research. Sex Reprod Health Matters. 2022;29(1):31–8. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/26410397.2021.1911618
11. Sumpter C, Torondel B. A systematic review of the health and social effects of menstrual hygiene management. PLoS One. 2019;14(2):e0211224.