Awareness, utilization and satisfaction with reusable menstrual pads in Kano, Nigeria

Menstrual health management remains a critical area of public health, especially in underserved communities where access to affordable and sustainable products is limited.

This study aims to assess the awareness, utilization and satisfaction with reusable menstrual pads among women and girls in Kumbotso Local Government Area, Kano, Nigeria.

An explanatory sequential mixed-methods study (QUAN → QUAL) was conducted among women and girls aged 15-49 years in Kumbotso LGA, Kano State. A cross-sectional survey assessed awareness, sources of information and utilization of reusable menstrual pads (RMPs), while satisfaction and related drivers/barriers were assessed among respondents who reported ever using RMPs. A qualitative component was subsequently conducted using short semi-structured interviews with reusable menstrual pad users (n = 8) to contextualise satisfaction and challenges. Additional interviews were conducted with aware non-users (n = 3) and one (1) local menstrual-product retailer key informant to explore the awareness-utilization gap. Qualitative data were translated, anonymized, and analysed thematically.

Findings indicate that awareness of reusable menstrual pads (RMPs) was very low (10.3% aware vs. 89.7% unaware), with friends/family being the most common information source (4.7%). An overwhelming majority (98.1%) of respondents had never used RMPs. Among users (n = 8), satisfaction was high (5/8; 62.5% very satisfied; 2/8; 25.0% satisfied; 1/8; 12.5% neutral). Reported drivers included improved comfort (8/8; 100%), perceived saving of money (7/8; 87.5%), absence of rashes (7/8; 87.5%), lack of staining (7/8; 87.5%), and ease of cleaning (6/8; 75.0%). Reported barriers to satisfaction and continued use included lack of market availability (4/8; 50.0%), drying privacy concerns (3/8; 37.5%), and dislike of washing (2/8; 25.0%). Four themes emerged from the qualitative findings, which reinforced that comfort and perceived financial value drove satisfaction, while discreet drying needs and fear of unwanted attention were the most consistent threats to sustained use. Brand/manufacturer and material-quality differences were not assessed and satisfaction could not be compared across RMP brands.

RMP awareness and utilization were very low in this setting. Although the small subgroup of users reported high satisfaction driven by comfort and perceived cost-related benefits, additional interviews with aware non-users suggest that local unavailability and weak distribution channels may be major barriers between awareness and adoption. Interventions should prioritise awareness, reliable product access, product-quality assurance, and practical guidance on washing and discreet drying.