IoT and Deep Learning Enabled Smart Solutions for Assisting Menstrual Health Management for Rural Women in India: A Review

Revathi Kesavan - Dhanalakshmi College of Engineering, Manimangalam, Chennai, 601301, India
Naveen Palanichamy - Multimedia University, Selangor 63100, Malaysia
Tamilselvi Thirumurugan - SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Ramapuram Campus, Chennai,600089, India


Citation Format:



DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.30630/joiv.7.4.02399

Abstract


A global medical issue, primarily raised in underdeveloped nations, is inappropriate Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) among teenage girls. Menstrual hygiene is a global concern because there are over 0.6 billion teenage females (about 8% of the population). The Asian and African continents are home to over 80% of these teenagers. Throughout, 355 million girls and women in India have periods. However, MHM causes discomfort and a lack of respect for millions of women all over the country. In alignment with today's technologies like cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and Internet of Things (IoT), the MHM can be handled effectively. A quantitative survey was carried out among 184 random volunteers aged 18-22 to reveal the current status of MHM in India. The result of the survey confirmed that 72.8% of girls encountered stress during their period, 45% of them were unaware of hygiene products to be used while in the menstruation cycle, 65.2% of them used sanitary pads, and 57.6% of them received disrespectful treatments. This work aims to empower women with the MHM by facilitating knowledge on the menstrual cycle and guiding them about safe-to-use products and disposal strategies in home, work, or community places with the help of technological advancements. Further, introduce a simple friendhood discussion forum through an intelligent chatbot like "Sirona, " a chatbot built over Whatsapp that facilitates a complete ecosystem for MHM.

Keywords


Deep learning; intelligent agent; internet of things (IoT); menstrual hygiene; regulatory monitoring; wireless sensors

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