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Title: Prevalence and factors associated with unmet need for menstrual hygiene management in six countries in Sub-Saharan Africa: a multilevel analysis
Citation Type: Miscellaneous
Publication Year: 2023
ISBN:
ISSN:
DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3280589/v1
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Abstract: Background: Menstruation is a normal biological process experienced by more than 300 million women globally daily. Women need clean menstrual absorbents that can be changed as often as needed in a private and safe place with proper hygiene and disposal facilities. All these needs must be met throughout the duration of the menstrual cycle. Access to menstrual needs of women is important for their health, well-being, and human dignity. This study assessed the prevalence and factors associated with unmet need for menstrual hygiene management (MHM) in Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Niger. Methods: We used data from the performance monitoring for action (PMA) surveys. We defined the unmet need for MHM as “lack of resources, facilities, and supplies for MHM.” Sample characteristics were summarized using frequencies and percentages while prevalence was summarized using proportions and their respective confidence intervals (CI). Factors associated with unmet need for MHM were assessed using a multilevel logistic regression model. Results: In the six countries, the majority of women were aged 20-34 years, were married or cohabiting, and had never given birth. The prevalence of unmet need for MHM was high among the uneducated and multiparous women, those who reused MHM materials, practiced open defecation, and lived in rural areas in all six countries. The prevalence of unmet need for MHM was highest in Burkina Faso (74.8%) and lowest in Ghana (34.2%). Age, education level, wealth status, and marital status were significantly associated with unmet need for MHM. Reuse of MHM materials and open defecation increased the odds of unmet need for MHM. Conclusion: More than half of women in five of the six countries have an unmet need for MHM with odds of unmet need significantly higher among younger women, those with low wealth status, the unmarried, and those with poor access to sanitary facilities. This study highlights the state of period poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa. Efforts to end period poverty should approach MHM needs as a unit as each need is insufficient on its own.
Url: https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3280589/v1
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Authors: Akoth, Catherine; Omondi, Elvis; Wambiya, Achach; Kibe, Peter M; Mbuthia, Grace Wambura; Kenyatta, Jomo; Ng'ang', Loise; Otieno, Peter O; Odhiambo Oguta, James
Publisher:
Data Collections: IPUMS Global Health - PMA
Topics: Fertility and Mortality, Gender, Health, Poverty and Welfare
Countries: Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Niger, Uganda