Bridging reproductive health literacy and sustainability: Deaf students' knowledge of reusable menstrual pads
Abstract
Limited access to reproductive health information and environmental education may affect deaf students' understanding of reusable menstrual pads as sustainable menstrual products. This study aimed to describe the knowledge of deaf female students regarding reusable menstrual pads from the perspectives of reproductive health and environmental sustainability. A quantitative descriptive design was employed involving 13 deaf female students from five special schools (Sekolah Luar Biasa/SLB) in Bandung City. Data were collected using a visual-based multiple-choice knowledge test and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings showed that the overall level of knowledge was categorized as moderate (57.88%). Factual knowledge was also categorized as moderate (67%), whereas conceptual knowledge remained low (44%), indicating that students demonstrated better understanding of practical aspects of reusable menstrual pads than broader concepts related to sustainability and environmental responsibility. In conclusion, deaf students' knowledge of reusable menstrual pads remains stronger at the factual level than at the conceptual level, indicating the need for more integrated reproductive health education that strengthens conceptual understanding of environmental sustainability within special education.
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Authors
Copyright (c) 2026 Naudy Hanoem Kinasih, Tati Hernawati, Agus Irawan Sensus, Budi Susetyo, Iding Tarsidi
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