Quality of Life and Associated Factors Among Menstrual Cup Users

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was carried out from July to August 2023 to investigate the quality of life among menstrual cup users and identify the factors that influence it. A purposive sample of 115 menstrual cup users completed self-administered questionnaires covering demographic characteristics and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief–Thai (WHOQOL-BREF-THAI). The data analysis included independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression. The findings showed that the overall quality of life among menstrual cup users was categorized into 2.6% below average, 69.6% average, and 27.8% above average, with a mean score of 88.10 ± 13.26. Specifically, the physical domain averaged 25.25 ± 3.42,                     the psychological domain 19.72 ± 4.32, the social domain                10.76 ± 2.04, and the environment domain 26.06 ± 5.12.

The study revealed that postmenstrual dizziness                  (β = -0.230, p = 0.008), postmenstrual pelvic pain (β = -0.255,             p = 0.003), and caffeinated soda consumption (β = -0.209,                p = 0.015) negatively impacted the quality of life among menstrual cup users. On the other hand, exercise (β = 0.207,                p = 0.016) and age (β = 0.209, p = 0.015) were positively associated with their quality of life. These results indicate that while menstrual cup usage generally supports a satisfactory quality of life, factors such as postmenstrual dizziness, pelvic pain, and dietary habits can significantly affect this outcome. Addressing these factors may enhance the quality of life for menstrual cup users, providing valuable insights for healthcare providers and users on mitigating negative influences and promoting overall well-being. This study highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to menstrual health that considers both physical symptoms and lifestyle factors.