Estimating the Impact of Associated Factors on Women's Absenteeism from School or Work due to Inadequate Menstrual Hygiene Management

Background: Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is a critical public health issue that significantly affects women’s health, education, and overall well-being. Globally, inadequate MHM has been linked to increased absenteeism from school and work, impacting women’s participation in social and economic activities. Objective: This study aims to investigate the factors associated with women’s absenteeism from social activities, school, or work due to inadequate MHM. Methods: This study is a secondary data research analysis based on the Pakistan MICS data collected in 2018-2019. The MICS survey used in this study was conducted from 2018 to 2019 and included cross-sectional demographic, socioeconomic, and health indicators. The secondary data analysis included only women of reproductive age (15-49 years). The data were available for 26,481 participants for MHM practices. Results: The average age of participants was 28.3 ± 5.6 years. A total of 42.8% of women were absent from social activities, school, or work due to menstruation. The absenteeism showed a significant increase in rural areas (aOR=1.09, 95% CI: 1.02-1.16, p=0.013) while the younger women aged 15-24 years had a corresponding (aOR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.07-1.40), (aOR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.18-1.52). Women with higher wealth status had fewer cases of absenteeism, especially those in the richest wealth quintile aOR: 0.23, 95% CI: 0.21-0.27). Poor sanitation was found to be associated with higher absenteeism (aOR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.20-1.54), and lack of access to proper means of washing and changing in private also resulted in increased absenteeism (aOR: 4.29, 95% CI: 3.96-4.65). Marital status, as well as functional difficulties, produced a lesser percentage of change. Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight the imperative need to address the barrier to adequate menstrual hygiene practices. Thus, the study implies that the accessibility of sanitary products and supportive social environments should be considered steps to reduce absenteeism due to menstruation.