Utilization of modern menstrual methods and related unmet needs among college going women in Coimbatore district: a descriptive cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: The primary objectives were to determine the proportion of modern menstrual method (MMM) users among college going women in Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu; and to estimate the unmet needs associated with use of MMMs in comparison with other menstrual hygiene methods (MHMs). We also assessed the factors that determine MMM use among college going women. METHODS: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among college going women in Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu, India between October 2022 and January 2023 using a purpose predesigned, pretested, semi-structured proforma that included validated Menstrual Practice Needs Scale (MPNS-36). RESULTS: Only 1.4% of the study participants used MMMs - menstrual cups (1.3%) and tampons (0.1%). Sanitary pads were the most common MHM of choice (96.3%); of which majority (98.6%) used disposable pads and more than half (50.4%) used non-biodegradable pads. Importantly, one in six (16.5%) were not aware of nature of sanitary pads (biodegradable or nonbiodegradable) used. The unmet needs associated with MMMs (menstrual cups and tampons) were significantly lower than that for other MHMs (including sanitary pads), in particular, the unmet material and home environment needs, unmet material reliability concerns, unmet reuse needs and unmet reuse insecurity. However, we found no significant difference between MMMs, sanitary pads and other MHMs in terms of unmet transport, college environment, change and disposal insecurity needs. The significant predictors of use of MMMs were age (more than 21 years of age), residence (urban), type of stay (off campus including home), socioeconomic status (upper), fathers' and mothers' education (high school and above), and presence of personal income. Discussions with friends (or peers) both before and after menarche regarding menstruation resulted in higher adoption of modern menstrual methods. CONCLUSION: MMMs provided comparative advantage with lesser unmet needs for material reliability and reuse insecurity concerns, particularly in home environment. However, none of the MHMs fulfilled the user expectations for transport and disposal insecurity concerns, particularly outdoors.

Practice and Associated Factors Regarding Foot Care among Diabetes Mellitus Patients Attending a Rural Primary Health Center in South India.

Background: Diabetes mellitus patients are more likely to undergo nontraumatic foot or leg amputations because they have decreased circulation to the feet or reduced sensation. This condition may cause ulcerations, infections, and delayed wound healing, leading to amputations. Adequate knowledge and practices regarding foot care will be vital in the prevention of diabetic foot complications. Hence, this study aimed to determine the level of knowledge and practices of foot care among diabetes mellitus patients attending a rural primary health center in Belagavi-South India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the rural field practice area of J.N. Medical College, Belagavi, for 7 months (November 2019 to May 2020). A pretested questionnaire was administered to 461 diabetes patients attending the health center. A written informed consent was obtained from each participant. They were interviewed with a questionnaire consisting of 15 "yes" or "no" questions, each on foot care knowledge and practice. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 50.28 ± 9.48 years. The mean duration of diabetes was 10.69 ± 7.09 years. Majority, i.e., 296 (64.2%) participants showed satisfactory knowledge and 293 (63.6%) showed satisfactory practice. Only 97 (21%) had poor knowledge, 90 (19.5%) had poor practice, 68 (14.8%) patients had good knowledge, and 78 (16.9%) had good practice about diabetic foot care. Conclusions: The low level of knowledge and practice in patients with diabetes regarding foot care necessitates an educational program to increase awareness related to foot complications of diabetes, thereby motivating diabetic patients to incorporate foot care practices in their day-to-day routine.