The study objectives included continual use of menstrual cups after initial introduction, identifying the benefits and challenges of long-term (defined as around 6-36 months) usage of menstrual cups and the impact of usage on girls’ and women’s participation in the community (academic, social, etc.). Data was collected through qualitative and quantitative methods including 117 questionnaires and 23 semi-structured interviews. Other methodology included 14 focus group discussions (FGD) and 23 MHM facilities assessments which determined factors to promote acceptability of long-term usage and continual research within the communities of study. Menstrual cups were first introduced in Uganda by WoMena in 2012 through the Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) and distributed to 31 women. Following this study, WoMena organized a school-based study among 194 school girls, ages 12-18. Another school study was organized involving 4 schools in 2014-2015. Each study was conducted in a different part of Uganda representing different cultural and religious backgrounds as well languages. Of all the participants, 82.1% were continued users of the menstrual cup. On average, the adaption time to comfortably using the menstrual cup took about 2-6 months. The most common report when beginning to use the menstrual cup was discomfort or pain when inserting or removing the cup. The data also suggested that the more a woman or girl used the cup, the more likely they would continue to use it. Of those participants who used the cup more than once, 93.5% continued usage. Participants reported no challenges when asked about disadvantages (70.3%), but the most common challenge was inserting or removing the cup (26.3%). The most common benefit reported was saving money (76.3%). FGD’s included participants as well as community members. Community members often brought up risks and uncertainties while also acknowledging the product as a practical solution. WoMena promotes the continued education and promotion of menstrual cups while recognizing the experience of menstruating is in dire need of more research to understand product use and preference.
Language
English
Authors
Hytti L, Simkute S and Jahangir, A
Relevant locations
Uganda
Best suited for
Quantitative researcher,Qualitative researcher
Citation
Hytti L, Simkute S and Jahangir, A. 2019. "Menstrual Cup Interventions Follow-up Study Report, Uganda." WoMena Uganda
Open acess
yes
Type of research
Mixed methods,Focus groups,Questionnaire,Semi-structured interviews,Observation
Year
2019