The Environmental Injustice of Beauty: an intersectional analysis of vaginal care products by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The environmental injustice of beauty framework links intersectional systems of oppression (e.g. racism, sexism, classism) to racialized beauty practices and poor health outcomes. Historical and ongoing discrimination around vaginal odors especially among women of color can influence menstrual and other vaginal product use, which are a source of exposure to harmful chemical mixtures. The aim of this analysis is to examine differences in vaginal product use by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status. METHODS: We combined survey data on vaginal product use from the following two studies focused on the health of Black and Latina reproductive-aged women: a hospital-based study in the Washington, DC area (FORGE) and a community-based study in California (Taking Stock). Vaginal product use was examined at the intersections of race/ethnicity (Black (N=185), Latina (N=156), White (N=71), and Other (N=84) and socioeconomic status (≦High School (HS) education (N=99) versus HS (N=391)). RESULTS:Significant differences exist in the type of vaginal care products used by racial/ethnicity as well as by educational attainment. Tampon and menstrual cup use were more common among White women than Black or Latina women (p.001). Among women of color, tampon and menstrual cup use were greater among more highly educated women. Conversely, less educated women were more likely to use douches, feminine sprays, and scented tampons and pads (p.01). The highest prevalence of most fragranced product use was among Black women with HS education or less. CONCLUSIONS:White women with some college education have significantly different vaginal product use patterns than Black and Latina women without a college education. Racial/ethnic and socioeconomic patterns in product use may contribute to inequities in environmental exposures and health outcomes. In future analyses, we will examine intersectional patterns across multiple product categories. KEYWORDS: Environmental disparities, Female, Environmental epidemiology, Chemical exposures