Washable Cloth Pad Pilot Study Report: Are washable cloth pads a viable form of menstrual hygiene management for women and adolescent girls in rural India?

Eco Femme, Auroville (2013) Washable Cloth Pad Pilot Study Report: Are washable cloth pads a viable form of menstrual hygiene management for women and adolescent girls in rural India? Working Paper. Eco Femme.

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Abstract

From 2011 to 2013 Eco Femme conducted product testing of three washable cloth pad models
among women and adolescent girls in rural districts of Tamil Nadu to see if they would be
practically accepted. This testing was inspired by unsolicited positive feedback on washable
cloth pads in Eco Femme run sessions on menstrual hygiene management and products.
Recycled old cloth is a widely used and traditional form of menstrual hygiene management in
India, and when properly cared for it poses no health or environmental risks. In recent years
disposable sanitary napkins have grown in popularity and availability in India, and potential
national acceptance of this menstrual hygiene product presents significant waste management
and environmental challenges. We see no real reason to abandon cloth as a form of menstrual
hygiene management. We tested our products with 1,120 women and adolescent girls from 5
different districts of Tamil Nadu; we were able to collect and analyze data from 749 participants.
Participants were asked to answer questions and report on their experience through one-on-one
in person interviews with a field worker from an NGO with which the individual was affiliated.
The results of the study indicate that washable cloth pads are accepted among most rural women
and girls across religious, age, and caste groupings on all parameters such as effectiveness to
absorb flow, comfort, appeal, and absence of leakage. The majority of women reported no
significant obstacles with washing, drying, and caring for pads. Most participants indicated that
they will continue to use washable cloth pads, prefer them to recycled old cloth or disposable
sanitary napkins, and are willing to recommend them to others.

Item Type:	Monograph (Working Paper)
Subjects:	Health > Health (General) Rural Development > Rural Development (General)
Depositing User:	Admin User
Date Deposited:	17 May 2021 12:51
Last Modified:	17 May 2021 12:51
URI:	http://aurorepo.in/id/eprint/203

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