International Institute for Population Sciences
Deemed to be University (An Autonomous Organization of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India)

Access to sanitation facilities is a critical component of menstrual hygiene and women’s well-being, but significant differences are present across India, particularly among tribal populations. This study examines the determinants of access to private bathrooms during menstruation among young women aged 15–24 years, using data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019–21). Separate logistic regression models were estimated for tribal and non-tribal women, further stratified by marital status (married and never married). Findings reveal significant inequities in access to private bathrooms during menstruation across social and economic lines. Tribal women were consistently disadvantaged compared to their non-tribal counterparts, with the largest disparities observed among married women. Higher education, greater household wealth, and exposure to mass media were positively associated with private bathroom access, indicating the role of socioeconomic empowerment in improving menstrual hygiene conditions. Rural residence substantially reduced access among tribal women, reflecting infrastructural inadequacies in remote areas. Among the seven states with a higher concentration of tribal population, Odisha and Gujarat report better access, and Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra lag behind. Notably, among tribal households, separate bathrooms may also reflect menstrual stigma and seclusion rather than enhanced autonomy. The findings highlight how tribal identity and marital status intersect to shape women's lived menstrual experiences, emphasising the need for culturally responsive interventions that integrate infrastructure development with education and awareness to achieve equitable menstrual hygiene management across India.