Health-Seeking Behavior and Community Perception of Chhaupadi Practices

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Public Health
• Anthropology

Background:

• The Chhaupadi system in Western Nepal mandates menstruating women and girls live in isolated huts, excluding them from their homes.
• This practice has significant implications for women's health, safety, and social inclusion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze health-seeking behaviors and community perceptions of Chhaupadi practices.
• To examine the relationship between Chhaupadi and ecological factors in Tanjakot Rural Municipality, Humla District, Nepal.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods ethnographic design was utilized, incorporating participant observation, field visits, focus group discussions (FGD), key informant interviews (KII), and non-participant observation.
• The study focused on 143 women aged 18-49 in Tanjakot Rural Municipality, Nepal, who had experienced menstruation and stayed in Chhaupadi huts.

Main Results:

• 97.9% of participants altered food habits during menstruation, with low consumption of inclusive foods.
• Contraceptive pills were used to suppress menstruation for ritual participation or water collection.
• While 70.6% stayed in tents, considered unsafe, healthcare access improved significantly, with 95.8% seeking medical care at health posts.

Conclusions:

• Significant shifts in menstruation practices include altered food intake, contraceptive use, and improved healthcare access.
• Despite progress, unsafe living conditions persist, and while nearly half view menstruation as natural, some still associate it with Chhaupadi.
• Raising awareness for safer homestays during menstruation and enhancing economic opportunities are crucial for addressing basic needs and cultural practices.