The effect of hygienic material use during menstruation on the prevalence of RTIs symptoms among women in India

Abstract

Background: Every month, healthy adolescent girls and pre-menopausal adult women are impacted by the crucial topic of menstrual hygiene. Menstrual hygiene management is essential to women’s reproductive health. Menstrual product consumption, poor cleaning techniques, and material reuse are examples of suboptimal menstrual health and hygiene. So, the current study was planned to assess the impact of hygienic material use during menstruation on the prevalence of RTIs among women in India. Methods: A cross-sectional, comparative community-based study was conducted in urban and rural areas of Bangalore, India. Study was conducted from December 2023 to March 2024. All female patients in reproductive age group attending RHTC and UHTC OPD were included. Interview method was used to collect data from consented participants on socio demographic details, products used for menstrual hygiene and symptoms suggestive of RTI in last 6 months were collected. Results: A community-based study was conducted in rural and urban field practice area of a medical college in Bangalore. A total of 258 participants attending UHTC and RHTC centres were included from each area. The proportion of participants with RTI symptoms were 62.2%. In current study 20.3% participants reported lower abdominal pain and 18.6% of participants had pain during micturition in past 6 months. Conclusions: Our study’s findings show a direct link between subpar MHM procedures and RTI symptoms. Our results confirm international recommendations for a dual focus on providing suitable absorbent materials and making sure that ambient conditions allow associated hygiene, such as washing, safety, and dignity for women.