Reproductive Health: Present Scenario Among Bangladeshi Matured Women

Abstract

We reported the prevalence of adverse reproductive health outcomes and examined its association with certain lifestyle choices and behavior among women of reproductive age in Bangladesh. Data were obtained from a cross-sectional internet-based survey. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed: lifestyle choices and adverse reproductive health outcomes were outcome variables while adjusting for socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics. Among the 1495 participants, 49% suffered from various adverse reproductive health outcomes including menstrual abnormalities (11.7%), Polycystic Ovarian Disease (6.3%), Cervical Cancer (2.9%), Endometriosis (2.7%), Ovarian Cancer (2%), and infertility (3.1%). Even with 49% of the respondents suffering from various reproductive abnormalities, 66.7% of the respondents did not visit the doctors for regular reproductive health checkups. The study found 7% more risk associated with increased drinking of beverages and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Respondents in the highest category of using cotton or cloth for longer periods (using cotton, cloth, or sanitary napkins for more than 8 years) had a 12% higher risk of Cervical Cancer than those in the lowest category (using cotton, cloth, or sanitary napkins for less than 2 years). Lack of appropriate knowledge of reproductive health and a conservative mindset is playing a role in the high prevalence of adverse outcomes in women of Bangladesh. To change the current scenario of adverse reproductive health, the general people should be made more aware of the relationship between lifestyle factors and reproductive health outcomes.

 The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci. Vol. 11 (1 & 2): 36-41, 2023