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

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