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.