Colposcopy Status in VIA-Positive Women and Their Association with Menstrual and Personal Hygiene in Two Selected Districts of Bangladesh

Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of mortality among women globally, with a disproportionately high burden in low-resource settings such as Bangladesh. Visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) is widely implemented in Bangladesh for early detection due to its cost-effectiveness and ease of use. However, little is known about the influence of menstrual and genital hygiene practices on cervical abnormalities in this population. This study comprehensively investigates behavioral and hygiene-related risk factors associated with colposcopy positivity among VIA-positive women at district and subdistrict health facilities in Bangladesh. Using robust statistical and machine learning approaches, we identify modifiable hygienic practices that significantly impact cervical health outcomes. Our findings provide actionable evidence supporting targeted behavioral interventions to complement existing screening programs, thereby reducing cervical cancer risk. This research fills a critical gap in understanding local determinants of cervical disease and offers significant potential to inform public health strategies and policies for improving women's reproductive health in resource-constrained settings.