Eco-Friendly Feminine Hygiene: Unveiling Awareness and Practices in Sanitary Waste Management

Abstract

Sustainable waste management for sanitary pads and diapers is crucial in the current scenario due to the environmental impact of non-biodegradable materials. Implementing eco-friendly practices not only addresses hygiene needs but also mitigates long-term ecological repercussions, promoting a more sustainable and environmentally conscious approach to feminine hygiene. This study investigates the awareness, misconceptions, and perceived effectiveness of past initiatives in eco-friendly sanitary waste recycling among a diverse group of women. Employing a mixed-methods approach, a stratified sampling strategy ensures representation across age groups and geographic areas. The study utilizes a structured questionnaire to collect quantitative data on demographic characteristics and participants' perspectives. Analysis includes descriptive statistics, an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) for age and geographic differences, and a thematic analysis for qualitative insights. Despite a well-balanced demographic representation, ANOVA results reveal no statistically significant differences in awareness, misconceptions, or perceived effectiveness among age groups and geographic areas. Qualitative findings enrich the understanding, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions that consider specific contextual factors influencing women's attitudes toward eco-friendly sanitary waste practices. This study contributes to a nuanced comprehension of the factors influencing sustainable waste management practices among women.