Over 44% of women aged 15-24 years in Karnataka continue to use cloth for menstrual protection, according to the recently released NFHS-5 report. This is the highest among southern States followed by Kerala and Andhra Pradesh, at 40.2% and 36.2% respectively.
In terms of overall use of a hygienic method of menstrual protection, Karnataka ranks the lowest among southern States at 84.6%. Locally prepared napkins, sanitary napkins, tampons and menstrual cups are considered to be hygienic methods of protection in the survey.
While 69.1% use sanitary napkins, 2.9% use tampons and 0.3% menstrual cups, 21.9% use locally prepared napkins in Karnataka.
