DETERMINANTS OF MENSTRUAL HYGIENE PRACTICES AMONG YOUNG WOMEN IN INDIA: EVIDENCE FROM DISTRICT-LEVEL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY

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  • November 22, 2019
Creator
  • Gopalakrishnan, Lakshmi
    • Affiliation: Gillings School of Global Public Health, Department of Maternal and Child Health
Abstract
  • Objective: Menstrual hygiene management is a neglected and silent issue in India with less than 12% of women having access to commercial sanitary napkins. This paper identifies key determinants of usage of sanitary napkins among young women in India. Methods: Data from a cross-sectional, population-based District level Household Survey (DLHS-3) 2007-08 were analyzed. A sample of 81,506 women, aged 15-24 years, were included in the analysis to assess wealth, education, residence, caste, region, awareness of reproductive tract infections and attitudes toward reproductive health as determinants of usage of sanitary napkins. Results: Multivariate analyses found that background variables such as wealth, education, caste and residence are significant determinants of usage of sanitary napkins. Further, autonomy, awareness of reproductive tract infections, and attitude toward receiving reproductive health education are critical towards improving menstrual hygiene practices. Conclusion: Effective programming should focus on ending taboos associated with menstrual hygiene management by educating women about the importance and usage of safe menstrual hygiene practices. This is also important to dispel myths, misconceptions and negative perception around menstruation. Further, increasing access to subsidized quality sanitary napkins to adolescent girls and women should also be considered along with safe, private places to change and wash themselves along with safe disposal of products.
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  • In Copyright
Note
  • Paper type: Original research
Advisor
  • Bloom, Shelah S.
Degree
  • Master of Public Health
Degree granting institution
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Graduation year
  • 2014
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  • 7249891d-f0af-4402-b1e3-d40e86ed66b4

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