Social Awareness for Women’s Health: An Endline Study in Gazaria, Munshiganj, Bangladesh

Lulu Al-Marjan, Halima Khatun, Mohammad Anisur Rahaman, Md. Mostafizar Rahman and Shakil Ahmed
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Lulu Al-Marjan: Sundar Kendra, and “Social Awareness for Women’s Health: Gazaria Pilot†Project, Munshiganj, Bangladesh
Halima Khatun: Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Mohammad Anisur Rahaman: Department of Sociology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalganj-8100.
Md. Mostafizar Rahman: Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Shakil Ahmed: Sundar Kendra, and Head of News, 71 Television, Dhaka, Bangladesh

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2024, vol. 8, issue 8, 3402-3428

Abstract: Background: The “Social Awareness for Women’s Health: Gazaria Pilot†project aimed to address menstrual health awareness and distribute free sanitary napkins in the Gazaria region. This endline survey evaluates the project’s impact on menstrual health practices, knowledge, and socio-cultural barriers among women and girls. Objective: Baseline data highlighted critical challenges, including limited awareness about menstrual hygiene, widespread use of non-hygienic materials such as old cloths, and significant emotional distress associated with menstruation. Access to reliable menstrual health information was predominantly through informal channels, with cultural taboos further exacerbating the menstrual health crisis. Methodology: A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gather data from community members participating in the Gazaria Pilot project. Surveys were conducted to assess changes in health behaviors and attitudes, while interviews provided insights into community perceptions and experiences with project interventions. Findings: Following the project’s implementation, there was a notable improvement in menstrual hygiene practices. The use of disposable sanitary napkins increased from 5.99% at baseline to 15.36% at endline, reflecting enhanced access and acceptance of sanitary products. Additionally, knowledge about the risks of unclean menstrual practices and the benefits of personal hygiene saw significant gains, with awareness rising from 55.5% to 72.66% and from 62.0% to 75.78%, respectively. Menstruation has decreased emotional reactions, promoting mental well-being, but challenges persist like reliance on old cloths, lack of medical advice, and socio-cultural taboos affecting health behaviors. Conclusion: The project emphasizes the need for community-based interventions and sustained engagement to improve menstrual health outcomes in Gazaria, highlighting the need for ongoing efforts.

Date: 2024
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