Prerogative on Women Health: A Qualitative Study on Feminine Hygiene Practices in India

Abstract Background: Feminine research has shown a growing trend in the past decades, yet there has been limited empirical research on how gynaecologists observe the awareness of feminine hygiene among females. Gynaecologists play an important role in advising and diagnosing such Feminine Hygiene Practices. This study aims to investigate gynaecologists' perspectives on existing female awareness and essential feminine hygiene practices that females should maintain during menstruation. Methods: This study used a qualitative approach for comprehending feminine hygiene practices that critically affect female menstruation health. The research was conducted through in-depth interviews with experienced health professionals in obstetrics and gynaecology. Fifteen qualified gynaecologists purposively selected from both rural and urban areas. We focused on Albert Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), which he later applied in the health promotion context. Results: This study provides an empirical basis for various aspects of feminine hygiene from the perspective of gynaecologists. Although the results also depict contradictory responses from gynaecologists about the benefits of using feminine hygiene products, this study emphasized the comparative opinion of menstrual cups and tampons against sanitary napkins. The following five themes emerged from the responses: feminine hygiene and women's health, lack of awareness, ignorance of hygiene practices, delay in treatment, and reluctance to accept menstrual cups and tampons. Conclusions: This study provides an empirical basis for various aspects of feminine hygiene from the perspective of gynaecologists. Increased investment in making the rural female population aware of the importance of feminine hygiene is needed. Awareness of menstrual cups and tampons for health professionals and common female population is essential as these products can be the future of menstrual hygiene.