Menstrual Hygiene Management : A Study on How User-friendly the Menstrual Cup is in a Rural Area of South Africa

Abstract: In rural areas of South Africa, there is a lack of education and implementation of menstrual hygiene management. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the suitability and hygienic safety of the menstrual cup used by girls and young women who have harsh living conditions. The study was performed in uMkhanyakude, KZN, South Africa, where the menstrual cup was introduced. The evaluation of the menstrual cup and the usage of it was carried out through interviews, forms, discussions and observations. Finally, the results from the follow-up was compiled to adapt the menstrual cup to the environment of rural areas of South Africa. It appeared that culture related problems were those which made the menstrual cup hard to implement. To minimize these issues, an idea was developed in the form of a model of a kit with a menstrual cup, a kettle and an informatory book.