Social and psychological impact of limited access to sanitation: MHM and reproductive tract infections

This paper is based on study of SHARE Research Consortium and the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC) research partnership to investigate the specific impact of inadequate access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities on women and girls in India. This study is on social and psychological impact of limited access to sanitation, the link between menstrual hygiene practices and reproductive tract infections, and between WASH practices and pregnancy outcomes in Bhubhaneshwar and Rourkela (Odisha). Millions of women today are denied access or lack the facilities and means to manage the simple biological necessities of defecation and menstruation, and are often forced to adopt a range of coping strategies. The higher incidence of reproductive tract infections linked to poor menstrual hygiene management under socio-economically deprived groups is striking. Also remarkable is the lack of WASH facilities accessible by pregnant women.