Yi-Ting Lai

Bio: Yi-Ting Lai is an academic researcher from National Yunlin University of Science and Technology. The author has contributed to research in topics: Market share & Product (business). The author has co-authored 1 publications.

Women's Cognition and Attitude with Eco-Friendly Menstrual Products by Consumer Lifestyle.

Abstract: With rapid technology developments and the convenient and fast pace of life in recent years, many people are using disposable products, which cause environmental and ecological damages. A variety of eco-friendly menstrual products have been launched on the market, and "menstrual pads" now have a large market share in Taiwan's menstrual product industry. This study interviewed experts and collected questionnaires for qualitative and quantitative investigation and analysis. The results show that women have positive and open concepts regarding sustainability, as well as a good understanding of their body and are very interested in the performance and usage efficiency of products. The results also indicate that consumers purchase based on their lifestyles; most women collected enough product information before purchasing while overcoming the difficulties in dealing with the environment and learning to adapt them, and the majority of consumers attach importance to comfort, volume, and duration of blood absorption. The results suggest that the government and private enterprises should increase and improve sanitation education and sanitary facilities and guide the approach and serve as an important reference index for the promotion of eco-friendly menstrual products for environmental benefits.

Enabling factors for sustainable menstrual hygiene management practices: a rapid review

Abstract: Abstract This paper highlights the crucial enabling factors in menstrual hygiene management. The use of products depends on various factors such as access to water, privacy, social, cultural and econmic. Gender equality and women’s empowerment are integral parts of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Half of the world’s population are women, and women have specific needs to manage the menstrual cycle during their lifetime. To manage the bleeding during the menstrual cycle, girls and women use different products, depending on their accessibility and affordability. They are (a) disposable—one-time use products such as disposable pads, tampons, and (b) reusable products—reusable products such as cloth, washable and reusable cloth pads, menstrual cups, and period panties. The literature search revealed that there are limited studies related to the use of menstrual products and the impacts of these products on women’s health and the environment. A rapid review of the literature identified factors responsible for choosing a particular type of menstrual product, the perceptions of women using the products, and their implications on health and the environment. The study concluded with the need to study the type of menstrual products preferred by women using appropriate variables, address the issues of disposal systems, provide adolescent girls with adequate infrastructure, provide access to affordable sanitary products and gender equity to manage their periods with dignity, and increasing awareness regarding sustainable/ reusable menstrual products, suggesting further investigation in menstrual hygiene management.

Use and perceptions on reusable and non-reusable menstrual products in Spain: A mixed-methods study

Abstract: Background Menstrual products are necessary goods for women and people who menstruate to manage menstruation. Understanding the use and perceptions of menstrual products is key to promote menstrual equity and menstrual health. This study aimed at assessing the use and perceptions on menstrual products among women and people who menstruate aged 18–55 in Spain. Methods A mixed-methods study was conducted, including a cross-sectional study (N = 22,823), and a qualitative study (N = 34). Results Participants used a combination of products. Non-reusable products were the most used, while over half used reusable products. Usage changed when data were stratified by age, gender identification, completed education, country of birth and experiencing financial issues. It also varied between trans and cis participants. Menstrual products’ use also shifted based on experiences of menstrual poverty and access to information and products. Overall, reusable products were perceived to be more acceptable than non-reusable. Barriers to use the menstrual cup were also identified, including experiences of menstrual inequity (e.g., menstrual poverty, lack of access to information or menstrual management facilities). Conclusion Perceptions and choices of menstrual products need to be acknowledged, especially when designing and implementing menstrual policies to address menstrual inequity and menstrual health.

Sustainable menstrual products: a classic or a fad?

Abstract: Purpose This all-inclusive bibliometric study aims to highlight the importance and shift of the researchers and the society towards the sustainable menstrual products (SMPs). This study also provides insights for this taboo topic which needs to be addressed for improving the menstrual hygiene of women. Design/methodology/approach This study adopts a trio of systematic literature review, bibliometric analysis and content analysis of the research articles taken from the SCOPUS database. The influential journals, authors and countries were established with the bibliometric analysis. Most prestigious research articles were identified based on the page-rank analysis. The intellectual structure was established with bibliographic coupling through which various themes were identified. For the content analysis, thematic mapping and author keyword analysis was performed to gain deeper understanding of themes. Findings It was established that the taboo yet novel research domain of SMPs is a necessary step towards the improvement of hygiene of women as well as the economy. The products are here to stay making them a Classic; hence, more research normalizing their usage is necessary. From this analysis, research gaps providing directions to the researchers were identified. Originality/value To the best knowledge of the authors, this is the first study that provides a comprehensive review of the SMPs. The research methodology applied in this review involves the triad of systematic literature review, bibliometric and content analyses study that establishes an intellectual structure and provides an all-inclusive overview of this taboo research area.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells among female healthcare workers in India

Abstract: Introduction Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are pluripotent progenitor cells that can be differentiated into a variety of specialized cell types. Menstrual blood, such as umbilical cord blood and bone marrow stem cells, is a rich source of MSCs with proliferative properties. This research was conducted to understand the knowledge, attitude, and practice of menstrual blood donation regarding menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MenSCs) among female healthcare workers in India. Methodology A cross-sectional online and offline survey was conducted at the national level between 20 November 2021 and 10 March 2022. A self-constructed semi-structured questionnaire was distributed through Google Forms on various social media platforms. The questionnaire was self-administered, and data were collected using the purposive sampling technique. Results A total of 499 respondents completed the questionnaire. Nearly 49% of the respondents had adequate knowledge, 54% showed a positive attitude, and 45% reported adequate practices regarding menstrual blood donation and the usage of related products. The educational background, occupational status, and monthly income of the participants were found to be significantly associated with their attitude toward MenSCs. Conclusion There is a need to promote interactive sessions on MenSCs among healthcare professionals in order to bridge the gap between general populations and the healthcare setting. Enhancing knowledge and awareness regarding the potential benefits of MenSCs would help in dissipating the age-old myths associated with menstruation and will benefit society as a whole.

Sustainable menstrual products: The challenges ahead

Abstract: ABSTRACT Taboos regarding menstruation in society have greatly influenced the lives of women. Women and the environment are also affected by the commercialization of menstrual products by the corporate giants that sell these. This exploratory study was undertaken through in-depth interviews to identify the challenges women face while menstruating. It was broadly seen that women were inclined to use traditional or older menstrual products they were used to. Some reasons for the gaps in the awareness and knowledge regarding what have been called sustainable menstrual products (SMPs) have also been identified to represent the themes of Self-concept, Pre-conceived notions, Accessibility, Routines, and Knowledge. We note here that if such gaps in information are addressed, awareness and knowledge about SMPs would increase and lead towards their adoption. Further, we seek to provide future directions for researchers to study some novel menstrual products that are considered sustainable.