Understanding Period Product Use among Young Women in Rural and Urban India from a Geospatial Perspective

Asraful Alam, Serampore Girls' College, University of Calcutta

Poor menstrual hygiene practices not only increase the risk of reproductive tract infections but also lead to various negative health outcomes, including discomfort and potential complications. This study explores factors associated with the exclusive use of period products during menstruation aged 15-24, investigates geographic disparities, examines rural-urban gaps, and assesses inequality in India. Utilizing data from the fifth National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), responses from 2,41,180 women aged 15 to 24 were analysed using logistic regression and multivariate decomposition analyses to explore socioeconomic predictors. Moran's I statistics also assessed spatial dependency, while Lorenz curves and Gini coefficients measured inequality. Quintile and LISA maps visualized regional disparities. The study found that 76.15% of women in India reported exclusive use of hygienic period products during menstruation. Rural areas reported a lower percentage of exclusive use of hygienic period products (72.32%) during menstruation compared to urban areas (89.37%). Key factors associated with the exclusive use of hygienic period products among 15-24-year-old women in India include age, education, place of residence, wealth, access to media, and healthcare discussions. The GINI coefficient of 0.39 highlighted moderate inequality in distribution. Strategies to promote education, improve media access, and enhance household wealth can facilitate menstrual hygiene adoption.

Keywords: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Children, Adolescents, and Youth, Population Policies, Health and Morbidity

See paper.