Correlation of menstrual hygiene management with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical cancer

Abstract

Purpose: To find the correlation of menstrual hygiene management (MHM) with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical cancer. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital for 1 year. One hundred cases (CIN or cervical cancer) and 135 controls (normal cervical cytology, Swede's score below 5, or normal cervical histology) were surveyed about MHM practices through a predesigned, semi-structured questionnaire by interview method. Data were analyzed on SPSS version 17.0 statistical analysis software through Chi-square test and bivariate regression analysis. Results: All Poor MHM practices except frequency of change of absorbent were significantly more commonly seen in women with CIN or Cervical cancer as compared to controls (P < 0.001). The bivariate regression analysis showed that old age, illiteracy, and the use of old cloth are significant risk factors for cervical cancer. Conclusion: Poor menstrual hygiene practices of using old cloth and disposal in open are significant risk factors of cervical cancer. Good MHM practices should be widely publicized and implemented in the community to reduce the risk of cervical cancer.