Common Problems Encountered By Gjc Senior High School Female Students In Using The Different Brands Of Sanitary Napkins.docx

CHAPTER 1 The Problem and its setting

Introduction

Sanitary napkin is used by women during their menstruation. It is a pad used to absorb blood discharging from the vagina. It is also called sanitary towel, sanitary pad, menstrual pad or pad. After using it, sanitary napkins are thrown away and not meant to be kept.

Menstruation is the regular flow of blood and mucous membrane from the endometrium through the vagina. It is also called monthly period. This process is just natural to girls. It is not considered as disorder or symptoms of disease. Howstuffworks.com states that this process is necessary in the female body to eliminate excess iron, reduces blood pressure and flushes bacteria out of the reproductive system, serving as a form of shield from Sexually Transmitted Diseases and infertility.

Wikipedia.org declares that in the earlier ages, women used rag or folded cloth to absorb their menstrual flow. Disposable menstrual pads were first used to stop the wounded soldiers from bleeding until they were developed to sanitary napkins we had today. Modern sanitary napkins are easier and more comfortable to use compared to rags and folded cloth. But comfort always comes with a price.

The main problems of girls during their menstrual period were itchiness and having leaks. Girls are already suffering from menstrual cramps, and now they have to suffer these? The researcher believes that the two problems can be avoided by using the right brand of sanitary napkin. She wants to know which brand of napkin is better in avoiding these two specific problems.

The researchers want to help the girls to choose the perfect brand of napkin that would support their needs. They understand their pain and suffering and they want to give aid to them as much as they

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can. Knowing the brand that outstand the other brands might just save the girls who always experience discomfort during their menstrual period.

Statement of the Problem

The researchers aim to find out the common problems encountered by GJC Senior High School female students in using the different brands of sanitary napkins. Specifically, they aim to know the answers to the following questions.

1. What are the different brands of sanitary napkins used by GJC Senior High School female students? 2. How often do they experience leaks using that certain brand of sanitary napkin? 3. How often do they feel itchy using that certain brand of sanitary napkin? 4. Is there a difference in the common problems of using the different brands of sanitary napkins?

Significance of the Study The researchers have decided to gather information regarding the common problems encountered by GJC Senior High School female students in using the different brands of sanitary napkins because they believe that this will be a great aid to girls who don’t feel comfortable using their sanitary napkins. The following will be benefited from the study: Girls. This research will guide them in choosing the perfect brand of sanitary napkin that will avoid leaks and itchiness. Boys. Although they are not using sanitary napkins, they can help their female friends by telling them the result of this research.

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Parents. This will help them in guiding their daughters in choosing the brand of sanitary napkin to use, specially those who experience their menstruation just recently. Other Researchers. This may serve as basis for research works similar to this study. Scope and Delimitation This comparative study will cover the common problems encountered by GJC Senior High School female students in using the different brands of sanitary napkins. It will only focus on back leaks and itchiness. It will also deal with the negative effects of using sanitary napkins. Its purpose is to know which brand of sanitary napkin is best in avoiding leaks and itchiness. Using the Yamanes formula, the researcher will have 122 respondents. The study will be conducted in three months, August to October 2017. The respondents will be GJC Senior High School female students for they will be the group who will benefit from this study. The survey will be conducted in Gerona Junior College. The researchers will use survey forms to gather information.

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CHAPTER 2 Review of Related Literature and Studies

The researchers’ study is all about the common problems encountered by GJC Senior High School female students in using the different brands of sanitary napkins. It seeks to know which brand is best in avoiding itchiness and back leaks. The following literatures show the definitions, history, negative effects and different local brands of napkins. Sanitary napkins are designed differently for light and heavy menstrual flow (Menstrupedia) and it is a pad used to absorb uterine flow. (Merriam Webster) Sanitary napkins were really made for men when it is used first to absorb the blood of the wounded soldiers. (Shruti Pilai, 2016) This is supported by another study that states sanitary napkins were invented during World War 1 as an alternative of bandages. (Frances Robinson) But a different study suggests a different story. It states that the first sanitary pads are called “Lister’s towel” and was sold first on 1896. (Maxim.com, 2014) Since napkins evolved, their contents also evolved. Because of the chemicals in the pads, sanitary napkins can cause cancer, skin darkening, liver malfunction, immune system damage, diabetes, hormone dysfunction, pelvic disease, heart problem and infertility. (Teya Janelle, 2016) This is supported by other researches telling that napkins cause cancer and other problems (Shalin Jacob, 2015) Most of these problems are due to staphylococcus bacteria that grow in vagina. (Anshu Kumari, 2016) Whisper, Modess, Sisters and Charmee sanitary napkins offer different features in their products to gain consumers while Anion sanitary napkins give benefits to the health and body to attract consumers. (Healthgate.me) A study in this napkin discovered that most rural Indian women don’t use sanitary napkins due to lack of awareness. (Umesh Shrivastava and Dr. Neha Marthur, 2014) This results in companies having problems with their sales. (BonafideResearch.com 2016) A related study finds out that out of 355 million Indian women, only 12% use sanitary napkins. (Vishakha Goyal, 2016) Not only in India, but the lack of education in feminine hygiene also affects the Africans. (Linda Scott et. Al, 2013) Not only in other countries but the Filipinas also suffered from shame during

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their period. The leading cause of absenteeism of female students is menstruation. (Bethany A. Caruso et. al., 2013) Even though some girls are aware educated, it doesn’t stop problems from arising. An allgirl school like Miriam College’s one main problem is how to dispose these sanitary napkins they regularly collect. (Miriam College) To help girls in choosing the best brand for them, a test lab was conducted to different brands of sanitary napkins. Caremate scored the highest. (Consumer Voice, 2013) In another research, the consumers were also asked what quality of napkin they consider, most of them answered all aspects. (Foreseegame.com, 2014) However, the researchers failed to give all of the brands of napkins available in the country. They also failed to discuss how to prevent the health problems brought by sanitary napkins. The aim of the study is to know the different quality of sanitary napkins and which brand satisfy every girl’s need. To conduct the study effectively, the researchers distributed survey research to Gerona Junior College Senior High School female students to gather the information they needed.

Related Literature

Foreign:

Sanitary napkins. Almost all girls and women will sigh tiredly upon hearing the word. Who could blame them? Is there a woman who’s happy when her red days are coming? Is there a woman who wants to suffer days of discomfort? To better understand what red days and sanitary napkins are, the researcher gather information from different sources to provide the details for the topic.

Also known as sanitary pad or menstrual pad, sanitary napkin is a thin pad consisting of absorbent material that sips the menstrual fluid during red days. They are commonly disposable or meant to be thrown away after use but reusable sanitary pads are now available in the market. Those reusable sanitary pads are cloths pads that should be washed clean and can be used again over a dozen of times. Sanitary

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pads vary in shapes and sizes. They are designed differently for light and heavy menstrual flow. (Menstrupedia) Other site gives a much simpler definition of sanitary napkins: It is a pad used to absorb uterine flow. (Merriam Webster)

People know the use and definition of sanitary napkin but only few really knew where it came from and how it was developed. The people who knew its history and story were only numbered. How many people know that sanitary napkins were originally made for men? Sanitary napkins are for women, for girls, for ladies. They are a big part of feminine hygiene. Boys has nothing to do with them. When people would hear that a man is using a sanitary pad, they will laugh at him. But little did you know that sanitary napkins are really invented for men. Sanitary pads were developed by nurses during a war in France for the purpose of stopping the bleeding of their soldiers. The materials of these sanitary pads are available and easy to get during wartime. They are available in low price and really absorbent. As time passed by, the nurses started to use them during their menstruation that they became known as menstrual pad. On 1888, Kotex manufactured and sell ‘Sanitary towel for ladies’ and the idea came from the bandages the nurses developed during World War 1. As time passed by, different brands of sanitary pads and tampons were developed. (Shruti Pilai, 2016) You may ask, if there is no sanitary pads before, what do our ancestors use to absorb their menstrual flow? Here’s the answer: Ancient women used cloth, animal skins, grass and sponges to absorb blood flowing from their vaginas. They had no choice but to use materials that the nature could give. United States started selling pads since 1896 and tampons since 1936. The first sanitary pads were called “Lister’s towel.” The selling of these pads didn’t go well because it was not a good manner on that time to advertise and address menstruation in public. Those pads are expensive and many women couldn’t afford them. So instead of buying, they use cotton and cheesecloths during their red days. And even if women could afford them, it

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was prohibited in the United States to mail disposable napkins and tampons. Because the Comstack Laws that was passed in 1873 banned the mailing of any pornographic materials or contraceptionrelated materials. In the ancient times, sanitary pads were considered as pornographic and contraception-related materials since people before were very conservative. The commercial selling of pads only started during World War 1 when Kimberly-Clark made Cellocoton, to treat and bandage soldiers’ wounds in France. Because Cellocoton was very absorbent, nurses used those pads during their menstrual cycle. And since then, pads were treated as a part of feminine hygiene. Even though pads were readily available that time, women still needed to use sanitary belts to avoid the falling of their sanitary pads. Tampons were already available during 1920’s but women didn’t favor it because it is a bad practice for them to be intimate to their vaginas and menstrual blood. Some Catholics and Christians considered tampon as sexual and content and they were afraid that tampons would break the hymen. In 1960’s magazines used attractive ads to change the way people think about sanitary napkins. In 970, the first adhesive sanitary napkin became available to the market. It means the use of sanitary belts are not necessary anymore. (Maxim.com, 2014) Like the two literatures above, the third one also talks about the part of World War 1 in bringing the sanitary napkins to women’s world. There is a short supply in cotton but the demand for bandages was increasing while the soldiers kept on being wounded. The people looked for an alternative which was sphagnum moss, a highly absorbent plan with antimicrobial properties. In 1917, Kimberly-Clark Co invented Cellucotton that was used by soldiers during the war. After the war, Co bought the extra supplies of Cellucotton from the government. That was the start of Kotex sanitary napkins in 1920. Magazines refused to take advertisement for them. Eventually, the napkins became acceptable and numerous competitors appeared in the market. (Frances Robinson)

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You now know the history of how sanitary pads developed. How they evolved from stopping soldiers’ blood flow to the menstrual pads women are using today. The researcher will also tell you how the different brands of napkins compete during the early years. Johnson Johnson created Modess to compete with Kotex, another brand of sanitary napkin. During the ancient times, Johnson Johnson conducted a survey on how would the women design sanitary pads and belts. In 1927, the report was published and it made Modess won over Kotex. From 1948 to 1970, Modess continued to win the market through its advertisement. It used the slogan, “Modess.. Because”. It discussed about the reluctance of the society to discuss about menstruation while relating it to the name Modess, which came from modesty. The advertisement showed pictures of women in an elegant dresses in luxurious settings. Modess conquered the market that its success pushed Johnson Johnson to invent something greater and better. In 1970, the company developed Stayfree, the first pad that do not use belts but instead used adhesive that attached the pad on the underwear. (Thomma Grindstaff, 2017) You already know the history of sanitary napkins. From a simple sponge to a modern menstrual pad. Aside from its more comfortable use, what makes the modern sanitary napkins different from cloths? Chemicals. You know that where there is chemicals, there is negative effects. Menstrual pads could cause you cancer. Sanitary napkins are made up of plastics that can complicate embryonic development and organ damage. The fiber in the pads can cause cervical cancer. If you think that your pad is purely made up of cotton, you’re absolutely wrong. It contains cellulose gel. Since it is meant to absorb fluid, napkins contain rayon, that is dangerous since it has dioxin. The dioxin present in sanitary napkins can cause ovarian cancer. To tell you the truth, cottons are not really pure white. Since consumers want to buy napkins that are white because they look fresh and clean, manufacturers use dioxin to bleach the cottons. Based on research, even a small amount of dioxin can

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cause skin darkening and liver malfunction. Imagine that a girl use approximately 6,000 sanitary napkins her whole life. The dioxin she gets from napkins can cause her health problems such as immune system damage, diabetes, hormone dysfunction, pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian cancer and others. Little did girls know that their sanitary napkins contain pesticides and herbicides. The cotton in the sanitary napkins are being sprayed with pesticides and herbicides that are dangerous when those chemicals reach your bloodstream. They can also cause thyroid malfunction, heart problems and infertility. Since women want scented smells and everyone hates the smell of blood, companies use odor neutralizers or deodorants in menstrual pads that can cause infertility and skin irritation. One more thing, if you didn’t change your sanitary napkin immediately, a bacteria called staphylococcus aureus will grow in your body. The toxins leashed by the bacteria can cause a sudden drop in your blood pressure giving your brain a short supply of blood. (Teya Janelle, 2016) Like the literature above written by Janelle, the next one also talked about the negative effects of using sanitary napkins. Cancer is first on the list. The cellulose in pads can cause cervical cancer. And take note that cervical cancer is the second most leading cancer-related death among girls. Dioxin, a chemical that Janelle also discussed, can cause abnormal tissue growth in the reproductive organ. Rayon, a substance that helps in absorption in the pads also contain Dioxin. Phthalates, a term also used as plasticizers, used in tampons, cause multiple organ damage. Approximately, woman uses 16,800 napkins in a lifetime. These napkins are non-biodegradable and cannot be recycled. They don’t just give problems to women but also to the environment. A reminder for all the ladies, not changing of sanitary napkins can lead to Toxic Shock syndrome and even death. A 13-year-old girl in the US, Jemma-Louise Roberts died because of Toxic Shock Syndrome. (Shalin Jacob, 2015) Napkin is a necessity to girls. It is a part of their hygiene. In the previous years, a message gone viral saying that 56 girls died because of Whisper, Stayfree etc. There is no evidence to prove this message but the there is no denying it that sanitary napkins give us negative side effects. Again, the first

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on the list is cervical cancer. The gel pads in the sanitary napkins can cause a lot of infection and cervical cancer. Girls, avoid using tampons. Tampons have dioxin and rayon which are poisonous to our immune system and reproductive system. As stated from the previous articles, pads are sprayed with pesticides and herbicides that can cause infertility. Since competition in the market is becoming rough, different companies use different scents to attract customers. The chemicals that they use in the napkins to give them good scent can cause allergies and skin irritation. staphylococcus bacteria, a bacteria that can grow in your vagina, can cause skin problems and toxic shock syndrome when you don’t change your napkins every four hours. Not changing your napkin every four hours can also cause lump that may lead to irritation and infection. The bottom layer of sanitary napkins is impermeable that cause air passage to be hard. The heat and moisture was confined giving opportunity to bacterial growth. Not just for our health but napkins also pose a huge threat in solid waste disposal. (Anshu Kumari, 2016) Local: In choosing the right sanitary napkin of your choice, it is best to know the qualities of the different brands. As a consumer, it is in your advantage to know what the brands could offer. What brand is better than the other? What brand doesn’t satisfy your need? Let’s explore. Whisper is a common brand among the Filipinos. The most popular of it is Whisper Cottony Clean. It is Whisper’s softest pad so you won’t worry about irritation. It provides you with all-side leakage protection and better absorption using its Circles of Protection, an all-new channel design in the front, back and sides that help direct the flow of blood and prevent back leak. It is 2 inches wider and longer than the ordinary menstrual pad. Below are the list of size and price: 

Whisper Cottony Long 7s Pack (28 cm) – PHP 39.00

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Whisper Cottony X-Long 7s Pack (31.7cm) PHP 59.00

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Whisper Cottony X-Long 4s Pack (31.7 cm) PHP 39.00

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Whisper also offers Whisper Skin Love All Night, a napkin that is really designed to be gentle on the skin. It uses Japan-designed Air Dry Cushion Topsheet for twice more air flow. It is thin compared to other sanitary napkins but it has thrice the absorbency. It pulls the wetness at the bottom of the pad, away from the skin. Below are the list of size and price: 

Whisper Skin Love Day/Night Pack 8s (28cm)-PHP 59.00

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Whisper Skin Love All Night Pack 6s (31cm)- PHP 69.00 (SampleRoom.ph ,2014)

Aside from Whisper, Modess is also a brand used by many of the Filipinas. Below is the list of their products: 

MODESS COTTONY SOFT MAXI REGULAR- It has eight pads per pack and it comes with wings and without wings.

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MODESS COTTONY SOFT ULTRA THIN REGULAR- It is made to feel lightweight and very thin. It has ten pads per pack. It always comes with wings.

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MODESS COTTONY SOFT MAXI LONG- It is commonly used during heavy flows, and 4cm longer than regular pads. It has 18 unique anti-leak channels help catch fluid from front, back, and side. Fast Lock Pockets absorb blood quickly avoid back leak. It always comes with wings.

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MODESS ALL NIGHT- It has an extended back leak guard and always comes with wings.

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MODESS ALL NIGHT ULTRA THIN-It is an all-nighter napkin yet it’s not thick and bulky. It always comes with wings.

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MODESS DAY & NIGHT-It provides wide back leak fan and it always comes with wings.

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MODESS DRY MAX MAXI REGULAR- It has Revolutionary Quick-Dry Cover that has bigger holes which immediately absorb fluid and prevent moisture. It may come with wing and non-wing variants.

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MODESS MATERNITY-This pad is specially designed for Mom who experienced heavy flow after child delivery.

Not only Whispers and Modess compete with the market nowadays. Sisters, a brand of Megasoft, is also running the race of the competition. Below is the list of its products: 

Overnight- It contains super gel that turns liquid into gel quickly. It’s Longer than any ordinary pads 340mm long.

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Silk Floss Night- This is used for heavy nights and maternity use. It may have either 8 or 4 pads per pack.

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Silk Floss Day- This is used light use and day time. It may have either 8 or 4 pads per pack.

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Net Side Day- It has aloe vera extract to protect the skin from irritation. It contains super gel that turns liquid into gel quickly.

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Net Side Night-It is best to use during heavy flow. . It contains super gel that turns liquid into gel quickly.

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Non Wings- It doesn’t have wings. It has 8 pads per pack.

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Non Wings Sulit Pack- It doesn’t have wings. It has 12 pads per pack.

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Silk Floss Day Singles- It is silkier than ordinary pads

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Ultra Thin- It has thinner pads that measures 1.5mm and wider wings.

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Breathable 8’s- A pantyliner with reathable back liner allowing the circulation of air and reducing heat contact with skin. It has 8 pads per pack.

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Breathable 20’s- It is the same like Breathable 8’s but the difference is Breathable 20’s contains 20 pads per pack.

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Pantyliner Budget Pack- Use it on days between menstrual periods and light days.

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Pantyliner Econo Pack- It’s the cheapest of all. It costs P1.00 per pad based on Suggested Retail Price 8 liners per pack.

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Longer Pantyliner Budget Pack- It contains 20 longer pantyliners measuring 180mm.

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Longer Pantyliner Individually Wrapped- It is the same as Longer Pantyliner Budget Pack. The only difference is that the napkins are individually packed. (Megasoft.com.ph)

Next in line is Charmee. Below is the list of their products: 

Charmee Dry Net All Flow-It has 3D Dry Net that avoid wetness. It comes with wings and no wings.

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Charmee Dry Net Heavy Flow- The same as the given above, the only difference is that this napkin is used when girls have heavy flow.

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Charmee Cottony Light- This is design for light days when girls can’t decide whether to use a pantyliner or a regular pad. It works like a pantyliner but it’s effective like a regular sanitary napkin.

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Charmee Cottony All Flow- It has micro-dimple cover and leak control channels to prevent back leak. It comes in both wing and non-wing variants.

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Charmee Heavy Flow- it works like Charmee Cottony All-Flow, but it is longer in size.

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Charmee Cottony All-Night Plus- Longer and wider than ordinary napkins.

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Charmee Cottony Slim-From the name itself, this napkin is thin and avoid bulkiness. It comes in maxi, regular and overnight.

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Charmee Cottony Pants- It is wearable like underwear.

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Charmee Breathable Pantyliner- It comes in different scents like Lavender, Deodorizing Green Tea or if you’re not a fan of scents, unscented.

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Charmee Go Girl Pantyliner- It comes in unscented and Rose scent. It contains soft cottony cover.

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Charmee Regular Pantyliner- It always comes unscented. This is your ordinary panty liner.

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Charmee Powder Cool Pantyliner-It has a powder scent with cooling properties. It comes in regular and longer length. (Charmee.com.ph, 2017)

Most of the companies advertise their products by improving the scents of their sanitary pads and giving the customers different options to choose from. Using a different strategy, Anion sanitary napkins give health benefits to women. The company made research and testing to develop Anion sanitary napkin that increases the dissemination of negative ions resulting in a higher anti-bacterial function. The anion-chip in the napkin reproduction of anaerobic bacteria, micro-circulation, increase the growth of bio-enzyme, regulate acidic secretions in the vaginal and improve women`s self-protection and disease prevention ability. The anion-chip also has Strontium ferrite that prevents vaginal itching. The surface of this napkin is made up of sterilized cotton. The base of the pad allows air to pass. It has enough hydro gel from Japan that holds the fluid to avoid leaks. The packaging of anion is made up of aluminum foil that is dampproof, mildewproof and fungusproof. The padding of Anion sanitary napkin is made from water absorbing particles, covered by paper. The glue used on Anion sanitary napkin is non-toxic. It has anion strips that gives off high density of anions when used. The napkin also contains anion strips that give off high density of anions when used. Anions (or negative ions) are atoms or molecules having more electrons than protons and gives off negative charge. Anions are produced with air molecules broken apart from sunlight, radiation, and moving air or water. Anions are found in forests, near the ocean, and surrounding waterfalls. They also help relieve stress, avoid depression and boost energy. Anions improve lung function; reduces blood pressure; improves cardiac muscle function and nutrition; facilitates the dilation of capillary vessel; gives energy to the body; improves sleep quality; eases pain and tension; activates different enzymes in body; reduces blood sugar level; avoids cholesterol;

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increases blood calcium; facilitates urine amount; increases the amount of nitrogen and creatinine in urine; accelerates bone growth; prevents scurvy, rachitis, and vitamin insufficiency; increases the number of white and red blood cell, hemoglobin, reticulocyte, blood platelet and globin; heightens PH reading; shortens blood forming time; improves reflex system and endothelial system; and enhances body's anti-disease ability. (Healthgate.me)

Related Studies

Foreign: There are many negative effects of using sanitary napkins but you need to admit that there are more negative effects of not using sanitary napkins. A study in India tackles about how Indian women don’t use sanitary napkins and how it affects their lives. The hygienic condition of rural woman in India needs immediate attention. Female Indians who live in rural areas travel 14 kilometers for water, cook food for a joint family of 8 old people in an average, take care of their children and sleep outside the house when they have their menstrual period. They use dirty cloths or rag, sometime seven ash, to absorb their blood flow. Due to lack of education, these women are not aware of the threats that their practices could give to their health. Since these people keep their cultures and traditions, discussing menstruation in the open is considered taboo. Since most of the people who are living in rural areas don’t earn a lot of money, women couldn’t afford sanitary napkins. Napkins became more of a want than a need. Another problem of rural women is that they are shy and hesitant to buy napkins if the shopkeeper is a male. Even in urban India, girls still need to write in a piece of paper that she needs to buy a napkin and hands it over the make shop keeper. The male will read it, will fold the paper, and will silently return it to the girl like they were smuggling something illegal that is not meant to be known by others. Males could not even buy napkins for their partners because it will ruin their dignity. Another problem is that most rural women don’t use

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underwears. They cannot use sanitary napkin if they are not using underwears. Some of them still defecates in the open. For them, not wearing underwears is more comfortable. Again, because of the lack of education, they don’t know that their practices could bring them harm. Most of the time, it is the elder who stops the young people to use sanitary pads. Since it functions the same as rags and cloths, they don’t see the need of spending money on pads that you will just throw after using. For them, if they survive years of not using pads, so can the young people. And this perspective will be passed to the young girls and these young girls will pass it to their future daughters and daughter in laws. On a survey, it shows that monthly period is the main reason of absenteeism of girls in school. Another problem is disposal. Since villages don’t own garbage cans, it’s a dilemma for girls where to throw their used sanitary napkins. Hence, it is easier to them to wash cloth and just wash it, then use it again. These points are not just merely observations but these are the things that the researcher saw during his research. To conclude, these unnoticed problems of rural women would continue to be daunting if the government doesn’t take action. The lack of education keeps the women from doing unsanitary activities. It is recommended that napkins should be sold by females only. An undergarment should also be provided free with every purchase of sanitary napkin. Third one, males should also be educated that sanitary napkin is a necessity for female hygiene that they may also encourage their wives, sisters and daughters. Incinerators should also be placed in schools and other part of the area so that women will know where to put their used sanitary napkins. (Umesh Shrivastava and Dr. Neha Marthur, 2014) Since Indian women are not fund of using napkins because of lack of awareness, and other reasons, the market of sanitary napkins is experiencing low sales. The market has a very low number of consumers, mainly urban women. But since some of them are being aware of proper menstrual hygiene, some of them were convinced to buy sanitary napkins. And some women are now handling their own money since jobs are now offered to women, increasing their power to decide what to buy. But even with this fact, the number of women who use sanitary napkins is still small. This is due to lack of

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awareness, the sanitary napkins are costly and availability of rags and cloths as alternatives to menstrual napkins. Many women are not aware of the existence of napkins and how to use it. Those people who know don’t have the money to buy such one since they consider napkin as a luxury product. Instead of buying napkins, they’ll just spend their money for milk, foods and other products that they consider necessities for living. The government initiatives such as ASHA, Taruni Suvidha Programme, etc stay in India with the goal of increasing awareness of menstruation hygiene among rural women and young girls. Government of India gives free sanitary napkin among rural girls to increases their knowledge of the product and its features. The market entities organize the campaigns, seminar and sessions in many rural and urban schools of the country for the same awareness purpose. According to Zalak Bhavsar, Research Analyst with Bonafide Research, the low consumption rate of sanitary napkins is due to the Menstruation taboo in the country. However, many religious groups are now cutting the taboos of menstruation and urging the women to use sanitary napkins. If this practice continues, the market of sanitary napkins will eventually increase. (BonafideResearch.com, 2016) A related study was also conducted discussing about the disturbing issue of feminine hygiene in India. “Sanitary Protection: Every Woman’s Health Right”, a study by AC Nielsen concluded that out of India’s female population (355 million), only 12 % use sanitary napkins. 88% of the women depend on different alternatives like un-sanitized cloth or rugs, ashes and husk sand. The purpose of the study is to know the different opportunities to help the Indian women in their hygiene. An opportunity can be found in Jayaashree Industries. They made a big change when they invented a machine that can be ran by electricity and foot pedals. This machine can produce 1,000 napkins a day. This firm is focusing to persuade rural women to purchase the machine, at a price of Rs 80,000. One more problem can be solved through this approach which is availability in remote areas; if sanitary napkins are produced by micro entrepreneurs the product will be locally available. Another help is the ‘Azadi group.’ The company has developed a product which is 100% biodegradable. This solved

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the problem of many social scientists. Their product is 43% cheaper than the available product in the area. This great combination of biodegradability and low cost has a power to change the whole Menstrual Hygiene Industry. Another group called Mahalakshmi Self Help Group is starting a change for the remote areas who don’t have access in sanitary napkins. They build centers and manufacturing places in the remote areas to give employment and accessibility of napkins to women. As a conclusion, the following are the marketing opportunities for menstrual products in India: First, increase the consumer base. Second, decreasing the price of sanitary pads. Third, Lack of standardization. Fourth, awareness and availability of the product. And last, partnership of public and private organizations in village levels. (Vishakha Goyal, 2016) India is not the only one who suffers from menstruation taboo but also Africa specifically in the part of Uganda. The authorities conduct seminars and other programs to make the girls aware of menstruation and feminine hygiene. Since not all girls use disposable sanitary napkins, the researchers investigate alternatives to disposable pads to find out how they perform in practice and whether they are acceptable to the girls. There are three types of cloth pads in this study: One is Mwezi pads, it is washable pad made on sewing machines by Kenyan women’s collectives using fabrics that are locally available and affordable. They contain a plastic lining to protect against leakage. The other is KMET Pads, washable pads produced by teenage mothers in Nambale District, Kenya, under the guidance of the Kisumu Medical and Education Trust. They come as a package of six thick pads costing US$4.31. This pad took days to dry. However, this pad can be worn for a very long time without having back leak – ten hours or so. The last one is AFRIpads that are washable cloth pads produced in Uganda. It is made of soft, quick-drying fleece and costs US$5.95. The research also used MakaPads, a disposable sanitary pad made from recycled office paper, rainwater, and papyrus plant. 402 girls were included n the study. The researcher divided them into 3 groups. The first group was given packages of AFRIpads. The second were given Mwezi Pads. Girls who had experience with both disposables and cloth were asked which

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they preferred: 89.2% preferred sanitary pads and 8.6% preferred cloth: 78.3% said disposable pads were better because they don’t leak, 66.7% because they don’t need to be washed, and 51% because they are easier to throw. Of those who preferred cloth, 60% claimed it lasts longer and only 15.8% said it was because cloth doesn’t leak. The research also asked boys and girls what is the thing that they could not live without. Of the boys, 50% answered school supplies; 24.5% answered sugar/snacks/drinks; 14.7% answered soap; 9.8% answered breakfast and none answered sanitary napkin. Of the girls, 75.7% answered sanitary pads; 12.9% answered soap; 6.7% answered school supplies; 3.5% answered sugar/snacks/drinks; and 1.1% answered breakfast. At the end of the study, 53.6% of the girls said they planned to continue using the disposable pads available in town, a significant drop given that nearly all had been regular disposable users at the beginning. Of the 46.4% who said they planned to switch to a cloth pad, 43.8% who were given the AFRIpads said they would switch; 25.8% of the KMET recipients said they would switch; and 22.6% of Mwezi Pads recipients. Before the study, 89.2% believed disposables were better than cloth; after, only 34.6% said they believed disposables were better than cloth. This response may suggest that the product designs of the cloth pads offered were better than the disposable napkins. (Linda Scott et. Al, 2013) A comparative study was also conducted but this time, it is not choosing between disposable pads and cloth pads, it is about choosing the best brand of sanitary napkins to use. The following brands of napkin was evaluated and graded based on lab reports: Caremate of Shree Radhe Hygiene, Kotex of KA Enterprise Gurgaon, Carefree of Johnson & Johnson, She of Royal Hygiene Care, Stayfree of Johnson & Johnson, Whisper Choice of P&G, Don’t Worry (Large) by Mankind Pharma Limited, Delhi, Sofy(Large) by Unicharm and She(Extra large) by Royal Hygiene Care. In overall findings, Caremate ranked first with the overall score of 90, followed by Kotex with the overall score of 86 and Carefree with 85 points. All brands clear the absorbency test, being able to absorb the liquid flow. In the disposability test of absorbent materials, brands Don’t Worry, Sofy, She (extra large) and

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Whisper do not disperse in water within five minutes, as required by Indian Standards. Lumps are formed in the stirred water. Carefree is found to have the thickest pad (102.88mm) and Don’t Worry the thinnest (26.2mm). In the sensory tests, Whisper is rated on top followed by Caremate and She (extra large). (Consumer Voice, 2013) In the lab tests done by Consumer Voice to the napkins, they test the different qualities and features the napkins offered. Do consumers value these qualities before buying napkins? Or they just buy the napkin available in the store near them? When asked what is the factor that influences women in buying sanitary napkins, 4% of the participants in a study answered packaging, 5% answered price, 7% answered size, another 7% answered hygiene, 8% said brand; 10% said quality; 15% answered comfort and 44% answered all of the factors given. When asked which feature of sanitary napkins is most important to the participants, 6% answered odor control, 7% answered perforated top cover, 9% answered breathable back sheet, Another 9% answered length, 12% answered absorbency, 13% answered leak proof and 44% answered all of the above. (Foreseegame.com, 2014)

Local: Used sanitary napkins are usually considered as residual waste, meaning waste that is not compostable or recyclable and, therefore, goes to dumpsites and landfills. However, used feminine napkins can be composted because its main components are wood pulp and nonwoven cotton, which are compostable materials. As an all-girls school, Miriam College with its Middle School, High School and College units, is having a hard time disposing used sanitary napkins. Based on a survey of students and staffs, an average number of days of one’s menstrual period is 5 days, an average of 3-4 napkins are used per day, and an average of 2 napkins are disposed of per day within Miriam College. With a student population of

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about 3,800 females in the High School and College levels, it is estimated that an average of 38,000 napkins are disposed of in the campus every month. To encourage the participation of students in the proper segregation of their used sanitary napkins, an information campaign was conducted among all the units of the school―from the Child Study Center, with its adult teachers and staff, to the College Unit. (Miriam College) Many girls lack the knowledge, support and resources to manage menstruation in school. Few studies have focused on educational impacts such as concentration, class participation, missed class and absenteeism. This study aims to understand the scope of educational and health impacts and challenges across settings in order to help the girls handle challenges presented by menstruation among adolescent girls. The cause of this are inadequate facilities in schools; insufficient knowledge; lack of practical guidance and support; and poor access to absorbent materials. Impacts of poor menstrual hygiene management (MHM) reduced participation in school, distraction and absenteeism. The study concludes with recommendations for improving girls’ experiences with menstruation and menstrual hygiene management: First, transform menstruation into reproductive health and hygiene education materials and provide menstruation education to students throughout primary and secondary school. Second, improve comfort rooms in schools, and develop. Third, establish systems that enable girls to access absorbent materials comfortably, discreetly and when in need. Lastly, create support systems to ensure that girls who miss school due to menstruation-related challenges do not miss out on educational opportunities and advancement. (Bethany A. Caruso et. al, 2013)

The study discusses the quality of different brands of sanitary napkins used by GJC Senior High School female students. The literature above discusses the negative effects brought by sanitary napkins especially when girls use it more than 4 hours. It also discusses that the leading cause of poor hygiene among women is the lack of education and awareness. The researchers didn’t include the features of all

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the brands of napkin and they didn’t discuss the methods on how to prevent the health problems brought by sanitary napkins. The researchers realize that these literatures and studies will serve as a guide in making their questionnaires and they help them a lot to understand their study better. Hypothesis

There is no difference in the qualities of the different brands of sanitary napkins used by GJC Senior High School Grade 12 female students.

Conceptual Framework

Output/Result/Outcomes Input

Different Brands of

Some girls feel itchiness and back leaks because they choose the wrong brand of sanitary

Sanitary Napkins

napkins.

1. Modess Common Problems Encountered by GJC Senior

2. Whisper

High School Female Students in Using the

3. Sister

Different Brands of Sanitary Napkins

4. Charmee Dependent:

Common

Problems

5. Anion

Independent: Different Brands of Sanitary Napkins

Process 1.

What are the different brands of sanitary

Survey

napkins used by GJC Senior High School

Questionnaire

students? 2.

3.

There is no difference in

How often do they experience leaks using that certain brand of sanitary

the

napkin?

different

qualities

of

the

brands

of

Do they feel itchy using that certain

sanitary napkins used by

brand of sanitary napkin? 4.

Hypothesis

Is there a difference in the quality of the

GJC Senior High School

different brands of sanitary napkin?

Grade 12 female students.

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Operation Definition of Terms Absorbent. Ability to absorb, sip or soak. Acidic secretions. Discharging or producing of acid. Anaerobic bacteria. They do not grow or live in the presence of oxygen. Back leak. This is every girl’s nightmare. It is when menstrual blood is visible on the cloth covering your buttocks. Backleak guard. Used in napkins, it is designed to protect girls from back leaks. Bio-enzyme. It affects chemical reactions in the body. Cellulose gel. Used to transform blood into gel for easy absorption. Creatinine. A chemical waste molecule commonly found in blood and urine. Dampproof. Protected from damp. Dioxin. A pollutant that is dangerous to human’s health. Disperse. Act of distributing. Dissemination. Act of distributing or spreading. Embryonic development. Stage when the embryo in the mother’s womb forms and develops. Fungusproof. Protected from fungus. Globin. A type of protein that transports oxygen. Herbicides. A chemical that destroys unwanted plants. Hymen. It’s a membrane that closes the opening of the vagina. Although it is not scientifically proven, it is believed that hymen is a proof of virginity. Incinerators. It is used to burn materials. Itchiness. Irritation on the skin. Menstruation. Flow of blood out of the vagina. Micro-circulation. Blood circulation in the smallest blood vessels.

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Mildewproof. Protected from mildew. Pantyliner. Used the same like napkin except it is thinner and designed for very light flow. Rachitis. Softening of the bones. Rayon. A fabric made from cellulose. Red days. The days where in a woman experiences her menstrual period. Reluctance. Act of hesitation. Reticulocyte. An immature red blood cell having no nucleus. Staphylococcus bacteria. A bacteria that can grow in the vagina and cause diseases. Scurvy. Characterized by swollen gums and opening of previously healed wounds. Taboo. Unacceptable manner or characteristic in the society. Toxic Shock Syndrome. It is caused by bacteria and leads to fever, rash, skin peeling, and low blood pressure.

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Chapter 3 Research Methodology

This chapter shows the research methodology of this study. It is the process of collecting data from your chosen respondents. In this study, the information is gathered through a series of questions answered by GJC SHS female students about the brand of sanitary napkins that they use.

Research Design

The researchers decided to use descriptive design in doing this study. Using descriptive design, the researchers were able to know the different perceptions of GJC SHS female students on the common problems encountered by GJC Senior High School female students in using the different brands of sanitary napkins.

Population Sample

The researchers used a simple random sampling. There are 175 Senior High School female students in GJC. There are 20 girls in 12 STEM-1, another 12 girls in 12 STEM-2, 35 girls in 12 ABM, 18 girls in 12 GAS/HUMSS, 16 girls in 12 HUMSS, 17 girls in 11 STEM, 18 girls in 11 ABM, 16 girls in 11 GAS and 20 girls in 11 HUMSS/GAS. Using the Yamanes formula with 5% margin of error, the respondents would be 122 girls.

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Research Instrument

The respondents answered the questions in a form of questionnaires. The questionnaires consist of checklist and likert type of questions. The researchers used the following transmutations in the likert question, 5-Always, 4-Often, 3-Sometimes, 2-Seldom and 1-Never.

Local of the Study The study was conducted in Gerona Junior College located at Poblacion 3, Gerona, Tarlac. Data Gathering Procedure The researchers distributed the questionnaires to GJC SHS female students while telling them to answer the questions with honesty. After the researchers made sure that the respondents were already finish answering the questionnaires, They collected the questionnaires. They thanked them and left the room. Statistical Treatment A. Yamanes Formula n=N÷(1+Ne²) where, n=Population sample N=Total population e=margin of error (A 5% margin of error was used in this study) B. For significant differences The T-test was used to tabulate the data. t=∑D ÷ √{[n∑D²-(∑D)²]÷n-1} D=Difference n=Population sample

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C. Weighted Average W.A =[N1(5)+N2(4)+N3(3)+N4(2)+N5(1)]/N

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Chapter 4 Presentation, Analysis and Interpretation of Data This chapter presents, Analyzes and interprets all the data gathered in this study. Presentation was done through the use of tables. Analysis and interpretation of data done after the tabular presentation. Table 1 Different Choices of Sanitary Napkins Indicator

Frequency

Percentage

Modess

46

31.7241379

Whisper

48

33.1034483

Sister

26

17.9310345

Charmee

15

10.3448276

Anion

0

0

Others:

10

6.89655172

Total

145

100

The table above shows the different choices of sanitary napkins of respondents. Table 1 indicates that 46 respondents or 31.7241379% have chosen Modess, 48 respondents or 33.1034483% have chosen Whisper, 26 respondents or 17.9310345% have chosen Sister,15 respondents or 10.3448276% have chosen Charmee, 0 respondents or 0% have chosen Anion, and 10 respondents or 6.89655172% have chosen other brands of napkins. The table signifies that majority of girls has frequently used the brand Modess. 28

Table 2 Problems in the Modess Brand 5

4

3

2

1

WA

DR

Back Leaks

1

10

24

7

5

2.96

S

Itchiness

3

7

19

12

5

2.8

S

Table above shows the problem of the modess brand Table 2 indicates that there is 1 respondent says that she always experienced back leaks 10 says often, 24 says sometimes, 7 says seldom and 5 says they never experienced back leak when they are using modess with the weighted average of 2.96. On the other hand, the table indicates that there are 3 respondents who say that they are experienced itchiness when they are using modes, 7 says often, 19 says sometimes, 12 says seldom and 5 says that they never experienced a itchiness when they are using Modess. The table signifies that majority of the respondent are experienced back leaks and itchiness only sometimes when they are using Modess brand sanitary napkin.

Table 3

Problems in Whisper Brand 5

4

3

2

1

WA

DR

Back Leaks

10

9

20

6

3

3.35

S

Itchiness

6

9

15

13

5

2.96

S

Table above shows the problem of the whisper brand.

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Table 3 indicates that there is 10 respondent says that she always experienced back leaks 9 says often, 20 says sometimes, 6 says seldom and 3 says they never experienced back leak when they are using Whisper with the weighted average of 3.35. On the other hand, the table indicates that there are 6 respondents who say that they are experienced itchiness when they are using modes, 9 says often, 15 says sometimes, 13 says seldom and 5 says that they never experienced an itchiness when they are using Whisper with a weighted average of 2.96. The table signifies that majority of the respondent are experienced back leaks and itchiness only sometimes when they are using Whisper brand sanitary napkin.

Table 4 Problems in Sister Brand 5

4

3

2

1

WA

DR

Back Leaks

3

5

12

5

1

3.15

S

Itchiness

4

6

8

7

1

3.19

S

Table above shows the problem of the Sister brand. Table 4 indicates that there is 3 respondent says that she always experienced back leaks 5 says often, 12 says sometimes, 5 says seldom and 1 says they never experienced back leak when they are using Sister with the weighted average of 3.15. On the other hand, the table indicates that there are 4 respondents who say that they are experienced itchiness when they are using modes, 6 says often, 8 says sometimes, 7 says seldom and 1 says that they never experienced an itchiness when they are using Sister with a weighted average of 3.19. The table signifies that majority of the respondent are experienced back leaks and itchiness only sometimes when they are using Sister brand sanitary napkin. 30

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Reference

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanitary_napkin

http://health.howstuffworks.com/sexual-health/female-reproductive-system/monthly-period1.htm

https://www.menstrupedia.com/articles/hygiene/sanitary-pad

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sanitary%20napkin

https://www.scoopwhoop.com/First-Sanitary-Pads-Made-For-Men/#.jj5bw81e2

http://www.maximhy.com/blog/2014/03/05/a-brief-history-of-pads-and-tampons/

http://online.wsj.com/ww1/sanitary-products

http://peopleof.oureverydaylife.com/history-modess-sanitary-napkins-9552.html

https://www.anigan.com/blogs/blog-posts/5-reasons-why-sanitary-pads-are-dangerous

https://www.scoopwhoop.com/inothernews/are-tampons-and-ultra-thin-pads-bad/#.hl2yapax9

http://www.confusedsandals.com/8-side-effects-of-sanitary-napkins/

http://blog.sampleroom.ph/2014/02/whisper-cottony-clean-long-and-x-long/

http://www.sampleroom.ph/whisper-skin-love-day-night?filter_name=whisper

http://www.sampleroom.ph/whisper-skin-love-night?filter_name=whisper

https://www.modess.com.ph/products

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http://megasoft.com.ph/sisters/

http://charmee.com.ph/products#pads

https://healthgate.me/anion-sanitary-napkins/

Umesh Shrivastava and Dr. Neha Mathur, The Unknown Truths Of Non Usage of Sanitary Napkins in Rural India, Volume 3, No.11, November 2014

http://bonafideresearch.com/india-sanitary-napkin-market-represents-the-exponential-curve-in-termsof-revenue-bonafide-research/

https://www.sbs.ox.ac.uk/sites/default/files/So-What-Statements/Docs/Uganda_study1.pdf

http://www.isca.in/IJSS/Archive/v5/i7/3.ISCA-IRJSS-2016-044.pdf

http://consumeraffairs.nic.in/consumer/writereaddata/Sanitary%20Napkins.pdf

http://rs.foreseegame.com/Upload/OpinionSquarePdf/OpinionSquare_1_123014170138.pdf

http://www.wadef.com/projects/isteac/StudyReport__MiriamCollege_Composting_Pilot.Work_Results. pdf

http://www.ungei.org/files/WASH_Philippines.pdf

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Gerona Junior College Poblacion 3 Gerona, Tarlac

Dear Ma’am/ Sir, We are required to prepare a quantitative research and the undersigned has made the study entitled “Common Problems Encountered by GJC Senior High School Female Students In Using the Different Brands of Sanitary Napkins”.

Relative to this, may we ask permission to take selected students in your class as our respondents, September 22, 2017 .

Thank you for your favorable response. Sincerely, Group 6 –12 STEM 2 Amuelle Aguilar Nyah Garrido Jerome Cura Jed Faustino Jayvee Cortez Ariel Paduit Christian Leonen 34

Dear respondent, The researchers are conducting a study entitled “Common Problems Encountered by GJC Senior High School Female Students In Using the Different Brands of Sanitary Napkins”. May we ask you to answer the questions with honesty. Take your time answering the questionnaire.

Researchers: Amuelle Aguilar Nyah Garrido Jed Faustino Christian Leonen Jerome Cura Jayvee Cortez Ariel Paduit Check the circle of your chosen answer 1. What brand of sanitary napkin do you use? o Modess o Whisper o Sisters o Charmee o Anion Others: _______________ 2. Below is the list of possible problems encountered by girls when using sanitary napkins. Check the number that corresponds to your answer. 5-Always 5

4-Often

3-Sometimes 2-Seldom

4

3

2

1-Never 1

Back Leaks Itchiness

Source: http://rs.foreseegame.com/Upload/OpinionSquarePdf/OpinionSquare_1_123014170138.pdf

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