Menstrual Hygiene Practices among Women Aged 15-24 years in India: Evidence from NFHS-4

Abstract

The study assesses the prevalence of menstrual hygiene habits and the factors influencing
them among Indian women aged 15 to 24 years. It utilises the National Family Health
Survey (NFHS-4) data collected from women who have menstruated in the age group of
15-24 years. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were carried out with the selected socioeconomic
and demographic factors associated with the use of hygienic methods during
menstruation. The analysis shows that 57 per cent women practised hygienic methods in
India and more than 60 per cent used cloth during their menstruation to prevent the blood
stains from becoming evident. Place of residence, year of schooling, caste/tribe, wealth
index, region, marital status, structure of the house and exposure to mass media were
statistically significant with the use of hygienic methods. A significant proportion of
adolescent females does not practise good menstrual hygiene. It is crucial that young
girls are taught the value of keeping their bodies clean throughout their menstrual
periods in order to lower their chances of developing reproductive tract infections.