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Identifying Risk Factors for Lower Reproductive Tract Infections among Women Using Reusable Absorbents in Odisha, India

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Listed:
  • Padmalaya Das

    (School of Biological Sciences, AIPH University, Bhubaneswar 752101, Odisha, India)

  • Danielle Lisnek

    (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK)

  • Krushna Chandra Sahoo

    (ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar 751023, Odisha, India)

  • Shalini Sinha

    (School of Biological Sciences, AIPH University, Bhubaneswar 752101, Odisha, India)

  • JyotiRanjan Mohanty

    (Disease Surveillance Laboratory, Asian Institute of Public Health, Bhubaneswar 751002, Odisha, India)

  • Pranati Sahoo

    (School of Biological Sciences, AIPH University, Bhubaneswar 752101, Odisha, India)

  • Bibiana Bilung

    (Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ispat General Hospital, Rourkela 769005, Odisha, India)

  • Bijaya Panda

    (Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Capital Hospital, Bhubaneswar 751001, Odisha, India)

  • Clare Tanton

    (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK)

  • Belen Torondel

    (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK)

Abstract

A large proportion of women in Odisha, India, use reusable absorbents to manage their menstruation. Yet, the risk factors for lower reproductive tract infections (RTIs) related to menstrual hygiene management (MHM) have not been studied among reusable absorbent users. Women of reproductive age attending one of two hospitals from two different cities in Odisha during two separate study intervals were recruited for the study. Laboratory diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis (BV) and vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) were conducted. A questionnaire was used to collect information on MHM practices, water, sanitation, and socio-demographic factors. Among the 509 women who used reusable absorbents, 71.7% were diagnosed with at least one infection. After adjusting for confounders, women with BV were more likely to identify as being a housewife (aOR: 1.8 (1.1–2.9)). Frequent absorbent changing was protective against BV (aOR: 0.5 (0.3–0.8)), whereas frequent body washing increased the odds of BV (aOR: 1.5 (1.0–2.2)). Women with VVC were more likely to be older (aOR: 1.6 (1.0–2.5)), live below the poverty line (aOR: 1.5 (1.1–2.2)), have a non-private household latrine (aOR: 2.2 (1.3–4.0)), dry their absorbents inside the house (aOR: 3.7 (2.5–4.5)), and store absorbents in the latrine area (aOR: 2.0 (1.3–2.9)). Washing absorbents outside the house was protective against VVC (aOR: 0.7 (0.4–1.0)). This study highlights the importance of improving MHM practices among reusable absorbent users to prevent lower RTIs among women reusing menstrual materials in Odisha.

Suggested Citation

  • Padmalaya Das & Danielle Lisnek & Krushna Chandra Sahoo & Shalini Sinha & JyotiRanjan Mohanty & Pranati Sahoo & Bibiana Bilung & Bijaya Panda & Clare Tanton & Belen Torondel, 2021. "Identifying Risk Factors for Lower Reproductive Tract Infections among Women Using Reusable Absorbents in Odisha, India," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-15, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:9:p:4778-:d:546585
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Julie Hennegan & Paul Montgomery, 2016. "Do Menstrual Hygiene Management Interventions Improve Education and Psychosocial Outcomes for Women and Girls in Low and Middle Income Countries? A Systematic Review," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(2), pages 1-21, February.
    2. Ishaq Bhatti, Lubna & Fikree, Fariyal F., 2002. "Health-seeking behavior of Karachi women with reproductive tract infections," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 54(1), pages 105-117, January.
    3. Colin Sumpter & Belen Torondel, 2013. "A Systematic Review of the Health and Social Effects of Menstrual Hygiene Management," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 8(4), pages 1-15, April.
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