Menstrual Hygiene Practices and its Predictors Among Young Women in India: Findings from the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019–2021)

Abstract

Introduction India is moving towards menstrual hygienic practices. However, using unhygienic menstrual absorbents is still a reproductive health concern among women in India. Objective This study investigates the prevalence of menstrual hygiene practices by geographical location and socio-economic factors among women in India. Materials and Methods National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5) (2019–2021) data were utilized to fulfill the study objectives. The study participant included 241,180 young women aged 15–24 years. A bivariate chi-square test was applied to present the percentage distribution of menstrual hygienic practices. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to examine the predictors linked with hygienic practices related to menstruation. Results About 77% of the women used hygienic absorbents to protect menstrual bloodstains in India. The menstrual hygienic practices are significantly lower in the improvised states of central and eastern India. Multivariable analysis reveals that higher educated women (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 5.36; 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.18–6.87) residing in the richest quintile households (AOR: 6.17; 95% CI: 4.61–8.26) have a higher probability of hygienic practices related to menstruation. Besides, higher autonomy and mass media exposure are positively associated with hygiene practices. Conclusion The study findings recommend opportunities for reproductive education among women, offering financial incentives, and improving women’s empowerment may increase menstrual hygienic practices. Additionally, interventions should focus on socioeconomically poor women to increase the use of sanitary napkin. Interventions should also focus on marginalized women to increase the use of sanitary napkin.