Determinants of Gynaecological Morbidities and Treatment-Seeking Behaviour among Women in Eastern India: A Study Based on NFHS 4 And 5

Abstract

Background: Gynaecological morbidities are key components of reproductive health and contribute considerably to the disease burden among women in eastern India. Societal stigma and socio-cultural beliefs often prevent women from reporting and seeking treatment for these morbidities. The objective was to explore the scenario and associated factors of gynaecological morbidity and treatment-seeking behaviour among women in eastern India. Methodology: The analysis is based on two rounds of National Family Health Survey (NFHS 4 and NFHS 5), including women from 15-49 years who reported or sought treatment for any gynaecological morbidity. Bivariate and binary logistic regression analysis were used to analyse regional variations and the factors associated with gynaecological morbidity treatment-seeking behaviour. Results: The prevalence of gynaecological morbidities India increased from 25.68% in NFHS 4 to 28.74% in NFHS 5, having the highest prevalence in Bihar. Women seeking treatment increased from 35.05% to 38.16, with more preference for private healthcare facilities than the public. Socioeconomic factors like wealth index, age, age at marriage and first birth, educational attainment, working status, awareness about STI significantly influences gynaecological morbidities and treatment-seeking. Conclusion: The findings of the study emphasised the need of awareness, health education and economic support to overcome the barriers of treatment seeking behaviour of gynaecological morbidities.