Menstrual cups and sanitary pads to reduce school attrition, and sexually transmitted and reproductive tract infections
This feasibility study was conducted to determine the effect of menstrual hygiene on overall health outcomes for school-aged girls in rural western Kenya. A three arm study model was used where individuals were assigned to either use a menstrual cup, sanitary pads, or traditional materials. The study looked at school outcomes (school absenteeism and dropout risk) as well as health outcomes (STI prevalence and bacterial presence.) It was shown that those who used cups were significantly less likely to have an STI and had less bacterial growth (bacterial vaginosus.) The study indicates that menstrual cup interventions can be used effectively in order to improve health outcomes.
Language
English
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
Relevant locations
Kenya
Best suited for
Mhm trainer,Product distributor
Citation
Phillips-Howard PA, Nyothach E, ter Kuile FO, et al. Menstrual cups and sanitary pads to reduce school attrition, and sexually transmitted and reproductive tract infections: a cluster randomised controlled feasibility study in rural Western KenyaBMJ Open 2016;6:e013229. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-013229
Open acess
yes
Type of research
Quantitative,Qualitative,Randomized controlled trial
Year
2016
Comments