A cross-sectional study to estimate the prevalence of cloth usage as menstrual hygiene management among young female adults in an urban chawl of Mumbai

Abstract

Background: Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is a key public health concern in India, where cultural and economic barriers restrict access to proper hygiene products. Safe hygiene practices in early adulthood are crucial for young women’s immediate and long-term health. The study aimed to assess the prevalence of cloth use for menstrual hygiene among young female adults. It evaluated factors that influenced the choice and examined the association between cloth use and genitourinary infections.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among young female adults aged 18-22 years residing in a chawl area of Mumbai. The sample size was 100, selected through systematic random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire.

Results: The prevalence of cloth usage was found to be 32%. The married young female adults, the low education level of the mothers, the source of information, and the poor knowledge regarding MHM were the factors that influenced the usage of cloth. Prevalence of genitourinary infections among the participants was 53% and was found to be associated with the use of cloth.

Conclusions: The study identified that 32% of young female adults in Mumbai’s chawl use cloth for menstrual hygiene, which was influenced by factors such as maternal education, marital status, source of information, and knowledge regarding MHM. To enhance reproductive health, it is crucial to improve access to affordable hygiene products and address the cultural barriers. Overcoming these obstacles will promote better menstrual hygiene practices and reproductive health.