Interlinking menstrual hygiene with Women's empowerment and reproductive tract infections: Evidence from India

Background: Breaking the silence on menstruation is essential for women and girls to achieve and exercise their full potential. The study explores the linkages between women empowerment, utilization of hygienic methods during menstruation, and its effect on reproductive tract infections (RTI) among women aged 15–24 years in India. Methods: The study used the fourth round of Indian Demographic and Health Survey (NFHS-4), 2015–16. The information regarding the different dimensions of women empowerment has been collected from 122,351 women at the state level. Overall, 42,912 women aged 15–24 years surveyed in the state module were questioned regarding menstruation hygiene methods and different dimensions of women's empowerment. Bivariate and multivariate statistical techniques have been utilized to draw inferences from the data. Results: Findings reveal that about 60% of women aged 15–24 utilized hygienic methods during menstruation in India. Owning a bank account, using mobile phones, and household decision-making emerged as significant factors that lead to the adoption of hygienic practices. Lack of menstrual hygiene method was found to result in adverse outcomes like RTI symptoms (genital sore/ulcer and had genital discharge) Conclusions: The study concludes that the different dimensions of women empowerment are essential in accelerating the level of practicing hygienic menstruation methods and providing assistance against diverse malpractices and taboos attached to it. The existing approach for the use of menstrual hygiene methods should focus on women's right to decide on their own life and health.