Non-linear multivariate decomposition modelling of the predictors of menstrual product use among reproductive-aged women: evidence from the 2022 Ghanaian demographic and health survey - Report - MDSpire
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Non-linear multivariate decomposition modelling of the predictors of menstrual product use among reproductive-aged women: evidence from the 2022 Ghanaian demographic and health survey
Clinical Report: Factors Influencing Menstrual Product Usage in Ghana
Overview
This study identifies key determinants of menstrual product use among women in Ghana, highlighting significant disparities influenced by socioeconomic and geographic factors.
Background
Menstrual health is a vital aspect of women's reproductive health, yet access to menstrual products remains inequitable, particularly in low-resource settings. In Ghana, disparities in menstrual product usage are shaped by individual, household, and community-level factors, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of these influences to inform policy and interventions.
Data Highlights
Factor
Association with Product Use
Educational Attainment
Positive
Household Wealth
Positive
Urban Residence
Positive
Younger Age
Positive
Self-reported Good Health
Positive
Media Exposure
Positive
Key Findings
Higher educational attainment and household wealth are strongly associated with increased use of modern menstrual products.
Urban residence significantly correlates with higher menstrual product usage compared to rural areas.
Community-level factors, such as average education and media exposure, positively influence menstrual product uptake.
Compositional factors account for 63% of the rural-urban disparities in menstrual product use.
Between-cluster differences contribute to 13%-15% of the variance in product use.
Predictive models demonstrated excellent discrimination with a C-index ≥ 0.82 and ROC AUC = 0.87.
Clinical Implications
Addressing the structural inequities in wealth and education is crucial for improving menstrual product access. Policymakers should consider interventions that subsidize menstrual products and enhance community-based distribution programs.
Conclusion
The study highlights the significant impact of socioeconomic and community-level factors on menstrual product usage in Ghana.
A large Epic Cosmos analysis linked vaginal estrogen prescribing with lower rates of sepsis, hospital admission, and death following recurrent urinary tract infection, but researchers cautioned that prescribing may also mark broader differences in care.
