Association between Menstrual Hygiene Management Practices and Lower Reproductive Tract Infections Among Women Aged 15–49 in Karachi: A Comparison of Sanitary Pads and Cloth Users

Authors

  • Aieman Haroon Greenstar Social Marketing Pakistan, (Guarantee) Limited Karachi, Pakistan.
  • Sameera Ali Rizvi Department of Public Health, SZABIST University Karachi,
  • Syeda Tabeena Ali Department of Public Health, SZABIST University Karachi, Pakistan https://orcid.org/0009-0008-3499-4273
  • Syed Azizur Rab Greenstar Social Marketing Pakistan, (Guarantee) Limited Karachi, Pakistan.
  • Fawad Shamim Greenstar Social Marketing Pakistan, (Guarantee) Limited Karachi, Pakistan.
  • Nida Shoaib Department of Public Health, SZABIST University Karachi, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32413/pjph.v14i4.1437

Keywords:

Menstrual hygiene, reproductive tract infections, menstruation, reproductive age, women's health, hygiene practices

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to assess the association between menstrual hygiene management (MHM) practices and symptoms of lower reproductive tract infections (LRTIs) among women aged 15–49 who use either sanitary pads or cloth, attending selected family health centers in Karachi.

Methodology: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2022 to June 2023, involving 487 women aged 15–49. Data on sociodemographic, MHM practices, and LRTI symptoms were collected using a structured questionnaire. Nonrandom, purposive sampling was used to recruit participants from 12 family health centers in Karachi.

Results: The majority of participants (75.4%) were aged 25–49 years, with 51.0% using cloth and 49.0% using sanitary pads. Overall, 49.9% reported using appropriate MHM materials, including sanitary pads. Sanitary pad users were 0.644 times less likely to report LRTI symptoms (95% CI: 0.447–0.929; p = 0.018). Additionally, those who changed pads or cloth after more than eight hours were 2.008 times more likely to develop LRTI symptoms (95% CI: 1.335–3.005). Other factors such as prolonged menstrual blood flow, frequency of material change, bathing practices, and use of underwear during menstruation were associated with LRTIs.

Conclusion: The study underscores that 49.9% of participants reported using appropriate MHM materials, with sanitary pad use being protective against LRTIs. The findings emphasize the role of hygiene practices, including material type, change frequency, bathing, and underwear use, in mitigating LRTIs among women of reproductive age.

Author Biographies

  • Aieman Haroon, Greenstar Social Marketing Pakistan, (Guarantee) Limited Karachi, Pakistan.

    Senior Manager at Greenstar Social Marketing Pakistan, (Guarantee) Limited Main Clifton Road, Karachi, Pakistan.

  • Sameera Ali Rizvi, Department of Public Health, SZABIST University Karachi,

    Sameera Ali Rizvi Head of the Department, Department of Public Health, SZABIST University Karachi, Pakistan

    MBBS, MSc Biostatistics and Epidemiology

      Department of Public Health, SZABIST University Karachi, Pakistan

  • Syeda Tabeena Ali, Department of Public Health, SZABIST University Karachi, Pakistan

    Ms. Syeda Tabeena Ali, currently serving as a lecturer in the Department of Public Health at SZABIST University, she holds a degree of Master of Science in Public Health from SZABIST, specializing in Epidemiology and Biostatistics. Prior to her tenure at SZABIST, Ms. Ali earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology with a major in Clinical Laboratory Sciences, focusing on Clinical Microbiology, from Ziauddin University's College of Medical Technology. Her academic journey reflects her dedication to the field of healthcare and public health. Additionally, she has actively contributed to academia as a Visiting Faculty Lecturer at Ziauddin University's College of Eastern Medicine from 2020 till 2023.

  • Syed Azizur Rab, Greenstar Social Marketing Pakistan, (Guarantee) Limited Karachi, Pakistan.

    Dr. Syed Azizur Rab

    MBBS, MBA

    CEO at Greenstar Social Marketing Pakistan (Guarantee) Limited

  • Fawad Shamim, Greenstar Social Marketing Pakistan, (Guarantee) Limited Karachi, Pakistan.

    Fawad Shamim

    B.Sc., MBA

    GM Programs and NBD at Greenstar Social Marketing (Guarantee) Limited

    Karachi, Pakistan

  • Nida Shoaib, Department of Public Health, SZABIST University Karachi, Pakistan

    MBBS, MSPH 

    Program Manager Lecturer 

    Department of Public Health, SZABIST University Karachi, Pakistan

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Published

28-12-2024

How to Cite

1.
Haroon A, Rizvi SA, Ali ST, Rab SA, Shamim F, Shoaib N. Association between Menstrual Hygiene Management Practices and Lower Reproductive Tract Infections Among Women Aged 15–49 in Karachi: A Comparison of Sanitary Pads and Cloth Users. Pak J Public Health [Internet]. 2024 Dec. 28 [cited 2025 Feb. 16];14(4):250-5. Available from: https://pjph.org/pjph/article/view/1437