Married Bangladeshi Women Research Articles

The association of solid fuel use in households for cooking with elevated blood pressure among reproductive-aged married women in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh is experiencing a rapid increase in hypertension prevalence, particularly in socio-economically disadvantaged communities. The higher use of solid fuel in these communities could be one of the significant factors contributing to this trend, but evidence supporting this hypothesis is limited in Bangladesh. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the associations of household solid fuel use and its exposure level with systolic and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and hypertension. We analysed 7,320 women's data from 2017/18 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey. We considered three outcome variables: (i) systolic blood pressure (BP) (continuous response), (ii) DBP (continuous response), and (iii) hypertension status (yes, no). Our primary exposures of interest were fuel type (clean vs solid) and the potential level of household air pollution exposure through solid fuel use (unexposed, moderately exposed, and highly exposed). We used a multilevel mixed-effects Poisson regression model with robust variance to determine association between exposure and outcome variables while adjusting for confounders. Of the total respondents analysed, approximately 82% used solid fuel for cooking. The age-standardised prevalence of hypertension was 28%. Respondents using solid fuel were found to be 1.44 times (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-1.89) more likely to develop hypertension compared to clean fuel users. Compared to women using clean fuel, the likelihood of hypertension was found to be 1.61 times (95% CI, 1.07-2.20) higher among the moderately exposed group and 1.80 times (95% CI, 1.27-2.32) higher among the highly exposed group. Similar associations were reported for systolic and DBP. The use of solid fuel increases the risk of becoming hypertensive and elevates systolic and DBP. Policies and programmes are necessary to increase awareness of the adverse effects of solid fuel use on health, including hypertension. Efforts should be made to reduce solid fuel use and ensure proper ventilation systems in households where solid fuel is used.

Women’s Agency and HIV/AIDS Knowledge Deprivation: An Analysis of Married Women in Bangladesh

HIV/AIDS knowledge deprivation fosters fear, discrimination, and stigma and, thus, reduces the impact of prevention efforts. This article investigates the socioeconomic determinants of HIV/AIDS knowledge deprivation in Bangladesh, a country largely affected by HIV incidence, using the 2011 and 2014 waves of the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey. To analyze the factors impacting the unequal distribution of HIV/AIDS knowledge deprivation among socioeconomic groups, the study proposes a multidimensional knowledge deprivation index and constructs a knowledge deprivation concentration index. Results show that the concentration of knowledge deprivation among the most disadvantaged groups (those with low household wealth) significantly correlates with the concentration of women’s empowerment among the least economically disadvantaged. These findings highlight the role of institutional support for programs improving women’s agency as an important complement to programs that focus on traditional forms of deprivation and disadvantage. HIGHLIGHTS In Bangladesh, women are disproportionally exposed to the risk of HIV/AIDS. Multidimensional HIV/AIDS knowledge deprivation is concentrated among disadvantaged women. Key prevention strategies are those focused on knowledge deprivation. Policies targeting women’s education and employment will reduce the risk of infection. Women’s empowerment and agency improve HIV/AIDS knowledge deprivation.

Examining the decline in modern contraception usage among married women in Bangladesh: Applying Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition analysis.

Controlling population expansion and reducing unintended pregnancies through the use of modern contraceptives is a cost-effective strategy. In recent years, the rate of modern contraceptive use in Bangladesh has been declining. So, this study aimed to investigate the associated factors of the deterioration in modern contraceptive usage. This study used data from two successive Bangladesh Demographic and Health Surveys (2014 and 2017-18) and applied the Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition analysis to understand the drivers. A popular binary logistic regression model is fitted to determine the factors that influence the use of modern contraceptive methods over the years. This study revealed that highly educated women were more likely to use modern contraception methods, and their use increased by 3 percent over the years. Factors such as women's working status, husband's education, number of living children, and fertility preference were found significantly associated with decreased usage of modern contraception methods over years. The result of the Blinder-Oaxaca (BO) decomposition analysis found a significant decrease between 2014 and 2018. Respondent's age, working status, husband's age, opinion on decision making, region, and media exposure were the most significant contributors to explaining the shift between 2014 and 2018. The two factors that contributed most to narrowing the difference between the two surveys were women's decision on own health (26%), and employment status (35%). The factors that influence modern contraceptive prevalence are important to know for policy implication purposes in Bangladesh. The findings indicate the need for further improvement of factors for balancing the usage of modern contraception methods.

Evaluating the Performance of Machine Learning Algorithm for Classification of Safer Sexual Negotiation among Married Women in Bangladesh

Evaluating the Performance of Machine Learning Algorithm for Classification of Safer Sexual Negotiation among Married Women in Bangladesh

Women’s Economic Empowerment and Mental Health in the COVID-19 Pandemic

COVID-19 is a serious worldwide health emergency that is affecting many nations. The financial standing and mental health of women are negatively impacted by such widespread epidemics. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate, among married women in Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic, the level of women’s economic empowerment and mental health and related determinants. The author used secondary research from numerous published research articles, review articles, and published international and national reports like the World Health Organization (WHO), UNDP, and United Nations (UN) to examine women’s economic empowerment and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 condition made it more common for women to experience loneliness, melancholy, anxiety, and sleep disruption. Women face the greatest risk because they make up 70% of the healthcare workforce and work in caregiving facilities. According to COVID-19, the primary causes of poor mental health in Bangladesh were being unemployed, being obese, lack of concealing, and having no family. Bangladesh’s patriarchal family system and physical weakness of women leads to increased mental disorders, workplace dangers, abuse, exploitation, harassment, and physical harm during crises and quarantine. This will promote women’s economic empowerment and improve mental health conditions. For this reason, more research about these vulnerable populations is required.

Perceived risk of child mortality and fertility choices in climate-vulnerable regions of Bangladesh

This research examined the influence of perceived child mortality risk on the fertility choices of married women in Bangladesh. Employing a cross-sectional survey conducted in four rural areas, categorized as either vulnerable or not vulnerable to extreme climate events, a total of 759 married women were surveyed through simple random sampling, while 25 women were selected for in-depth interviews through judgment sampling. The findings indicate that women in climate-vulnerable regions express a greater desire for additional children compared to those in non-vulnerable areas. Furthermore, women who perceive increased child mortality risk and have experienced past child loss show a stronger tendency towards wanting more offspring. The qualitative insights from the interviews shed light on the underlying motivations driving these preferences, emphasizing the significance of child replacement and seeking security against potential child loss. These empirical findings provide valuable insights into the complex dynamics between perceptions of child mortality and reproductive decision-making among women in Bangladesh. The implications of this study are crucial for policymakers and practitioners, as they can guide the development of targeted interventions and policies to address reproductive health challenges in climate-vulnerable areas. By acknowledging women’s perspectives and considering contextual factors, these strategies can effectively address the reproductive implications of climate vulnerability, empowering women to make informed decisions about their fertility and promoting improved reproductive outcomes and overall well-being in vulnerable communities.

Women's Sexual Empowerment and Its Relationship to Contraceptive Use in Bangladesh: Findings From a Recent National Survey.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the relationship between women's sexual empowerment and contraceptive use among married Bangladeshi women from a nationally representative sample. Methods: Secondary data analysis was conducted using the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) 2017-18. The investigation covered a total of 14,515 married, non-pregnant women who were residing with their spouses. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was fitted to assess the relationship between the variables of interest. Results: A unit increase in the sexual empowerment scale increases the odds of contraceptive use by 13%. While increasing age, being Muslim, having a spouse who is older by more than 10years, and living in rural areas are associated with lower odds of using contraceptives than their respective counterparts, secondary or higher levels of education, having more living children, exposure to TV or radio, and employment are associated with higher odds of using contraceptives. Conclusion: The study's findings point to the need for addressing women's perceptions of their right to sexual and reproductive health and equity in order to further efforts to achieve universal access to reproductive health services.

PREVALENCE OF FAMILY PLANNING METHOD USE AMONG MARRIED WOMEN AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH PHYSICAL HEALTH IN URBAN AREAS OF BANGLADESH

Family planning (FP) is essential for improving women's health and well-being by preventing unintended pregnancies, reducing maternal and infant mortality, and promoting sustainable development. However, many married women in Bangladesh do not use FP methods, and there is limited research on the association between FP method use and physical health among urban women in the country. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 370 married women attending primary health care centers in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from September to December 2022. Systematic random sampling was used to select participants. Data were collected through face-to- face interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire, and statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 22. Pearson’s chi-square test was used to assess associations between FP method use and various socio- demographic and physical health factors, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Among the participants, 33.2% used oral contraceptive pills, 20.3% used injectable methods, and 11.1% used condoms, while 29% did not use any FP methods. Significant associations were found between FP method use and age (χ2 = 32.61, p = 0.00), with women aged 26-40 showing the highest usage (43.5%). Monthly income (χ2 = 13.06, p = 0.00), physical activity levels (χ2\ = 12.59, p = 0.00), menstrual cycle regularity (χ2 = 29.03, p = 0.00), weight changes (χ2 = 13.46, p = 0.01),anorexia (χ2 = 6.59, p = 0.04), and general weakness (χ2 = 7.55, p = 0.00) were also significantly associated with FP method use. This study highlights that age, income, physical activity, menstrual cycle regularity, and physical health conditions such as weight changes, anorexia, and general weakness are key factors influencing FP method use among married women in urban Bangladesh. These findings underscore the need for targeted public health interventions and education to improve FP uptake and address the associated health impacts on women. Further research is recommended to explore these relationships on a larger scale.

Knowledge of HIV/AIDS among married women in Bangladesh: analysis of three consecutive multiple indicator cluster surveys (MICS)

Married women have a higher risk of contracting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or develop acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) than men. Knowledge of HIV/AIDS contributes significantly to describing the prevalence and consequences of such virus/disease. The study aimed to investigate the level of HIV/AIDS knowledge and the socio-demographic variables that influence HIV/AIDS knowledge among married women in Bangladesh. We used three waves of Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), which included 33,843, 20,727, and 29,724 married women from 2006, 2012, and 2019 MICS. A score was prepared through their interrogation to determine the level of knowledge and logistic regression models were used for analyzing the data. This study found that the prevalence of knowledge level of HIV/AIDS in different questions increased from 55.20% in 2006 to 58.69% in 2019. In our study, respondents having highest education had 4.03 (95% CI 3.50–4.64) times more chance to obtain “High Score” in 2019 MICS which is 5.30 times in 2012 MICS (95% CI 4.41–6.37) and 2.58 times in 2006 MICS (95% CI 2.28–2.93) compared to illiterate married women. Moreover, respondents from urban area were 1.13 times more likely to obtain “High Score” in 2019 MICS which is 1.14 times in 2012 MICS and 1.16 times in 2006 MICS, respectively than the rural married women. This study also found respondent’s age, division, mass media access, and wealth status have played an important role in HIV/AIDS knowledge. Although a significant proportion of women had adequate knowledge of HIV/AIDS, more knowledge is still required to protect against such viruses/diseases. Thus, we advocate for the implementation of educational program in the curriculum, counselling, particularly in rural areas, and mass media access to ensure quality knowledge throughout the country.

Identifying overnutrition risk groups in Bangladeshi married women based on sociodemographic factors: A classification and regression tree model

Overweight and obesity among women are major health issues in Bangladesh. To develop preventive strategies to deal with this epidemic, identifying women who are at risk for overweight and obesity is critical. This study aims to identify married women at high risk for overweight and obesity in Bangladesh. The study has used a sample of 14207 married women aged 15–49 years with a body mass index (BMI) ≥18.5 kg/m 2 from the 2017-18 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey. The overweight and obese status of women based on BMI is the primary outcome variable, and a range of sociodemographic variables are included as predictors. The Classification and Regression Tree (CART) is used to identify important predictors and high-risk groups. The CART models show that household wealth status is the most crucial predictor of overweight and obesity in married women. Women aged 26 to 49 years who live in affluent households and do not work or breastfeed are at the high-risk group. This study suggests that the formulation of strategies to prevent overweight and obesity in married women in Bangladesh should be tailored for different social classes and age groups. To reduce the burden, preventive interventions may target the high-risk group. • Several sociodemographic factors predict married women's overweight and obesity. • Particular groups based on these factors are most prone to overweight and obesity. • These may help design and implement targeted interventions.

Performance Evaluation of Machine Learning Algorithm for Classification of Unintended Pregnancy among Married Women in Bangladesh.

Intended pregnancy is one of the significant indicators of women's well-being. Globally, 74 million women become pregnant every year without planning. Unintended pregnancies account for 28% of all pregnancies among married women in Bangladesh. This study aimed to investigate the performance of six different machine learning (ML) algorithms applied to predict unintended pregnancies among married women in Bangladesh. From BDHS 2017-18, only 1129 pregnant women aged 15–49 were eligible for this study. An independent χ2 test had performed before we considered six popular ML algorithms, such as logistic regression (LR), random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), k-nearest neighbor (KNN), naïve Bayes (NB), and elastic net regression (ENR) to predict the unintended pregnancy. Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, Cohen's Kappa statistic, and area under curve (AUC) value were used as model evaluation. The bivariate analysis result showed that women aged 30–49 years, poor, not educated, and living in male-headed households had a higher percentage of unintended pregnancy. We found various performance parameters for the classification of unintended pregnancy: LR accuracy = 79.29%, LR AUC = 72.12%; RF accuracy = 77.81%, RF AUC = 72.17%; SVM accuracy = 76.92%, SVM AUC = 70.90%; KNN accuracy = 77.22%, KNN AUC = 70.27%; NB accuracy = 78%, NB AUC = 73.06%; and ENR accuracy = 77.51%, ENR AUC = 74.67%. Based on the AUC value, we can conclude that of all the ML algorithms we investigated, the ENR algorithm provides the most accurate classification for predicting unwanted pregnancy among Bangladeshi women. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of how to categorize pregnancy intentions among Bangladeshi women. As a result, the government can initiate an effective campaign to raise contraception awareness.

Women empowerment and sexually transmitted infections: Evidence from Bangladesh demographic and health survey 2014.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among women have led to substantial public health and economic burdens in several low-middle-income countries. However, there is a paucity of scientific knowledge about the relationship between empowerment and symptoms of STIs among married Bangladeshi women. This article aimed to examine the association between women empowerment and symptoms of STIs among currently married Bangladeshi women of reproductive age. We extracted data from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS), conducted from June 28, 2014, to November 9, 2014. We utilised cross-tabulation, the conceptual framework and multivariable multilevel mixed-effect logistics regression to explore the association between women's empowerment indicators and women's self-reported symptoms of genital sore and abnormal genital discharge. All of the analysis was adjusted using cluster weight. We found that among 16,858 currently married women, 5.59% and 10.84% experienced genital sores and abnormal genital discharge during the past 12 months, respectively. Women who depended on husbands to make decisions regarding their health care (AOR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.67-0.84), significant household purchases (AOR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.71-0.88), and visiting family or relatives (AOR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.64-0.80) were less likely to report signs of abnormal genital discharge. Women who could make joint healthcare decisions with their husbands were also less likely to report genital sores (AOR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.67-0.90). Genital sores and abnormal genital discharge were prevalent across all parameters of women empowerment among currently married women in Bangladesh. Our estimates show that the husband plays a significant role in decision-making about sexual and reproductive health. Efforts need to be invested in establishing culturally relevant gender policies which facilitate the involvement of women in joint decision-making.

Determinants and Distribution of Waiting Time for First Conception among Ever Married Women in Bangladesh

Early age at first cohabitation has a major effect on childbearing because women, who marry early, have a longer period of exposure to the risk of becoming pregnant and higher fertility. In a traditional Bangladeshi society it is an urgent need to explore the timing of first conception because it plays a vital role in the determination of reproductive process and fertility. Therefore, the main purpose of this study is to explore meticulously the determinants and distribution of first conception wait among ever married women in Bangladesh, extracting data from Nationally Representative BDHS-2014 data set. In this study the overall first mean conception interval is found to be 19.13±20.80 months with substantial variations by independent variables. The mean time required to conceive for the first time is found relatively low (15.54) among the respondents living in Chittagong division. The mean conception delay is found longer among those who have cohabited below age 15 years (24.36) and shorter (15.57) for the older marriage cohort. The results display that the distribution of first conception wait is positively skewed (β1= 2.22) and leptokurtic (γ2= 6.65). Life table analysis shows that 76% women become conceived within only three years of their first cohabitation. The tri-mean (T) and spread (S) of the first conception interval are found 16 and 24 months respectively. The findings of this study recommend that strict implementation of significant variables-legal age at first marriage; increase the literacy rate, improvement of socioeconomic status and reduction of overweight would be fruitful for normal timing of first conception and further reduction of fertility in Bangladesh. The Chittagong Univ. J. Sci. 43(1): 75-92, 2021

Factors Influencing the Awareness of HIV/AIDS among Ever Married Women in Bangladesh

The main focus of this research study is to investigate the determining factors affecting the awareness of HIV/AIDS among ever married women in Bangladesh. To accomplish this task fruitfully, the study uses the nationally representative BDHS 2014 data set. The finding of this study illustrates that about 70% of the respondents have heard of AIDS. Among the respondents who have heard of AIDS, 97.4% and 92.5% of them have HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention knowledge respectively. Bivariate analysis states that the variables type of place of residence, division, respondents’ education and access to mass media are significantly associated with the awareness of HIV/AIDS and also its transmission and prevention knowledge. The multivariate hierarchical logistic regression analysis reveals that respondents’ education has a significant impact on HIV/AIDS awareness and its transmission and prevention knowledge. The odds ratio in all the models indicates that respondents who are highly educated and have access to mass media are more knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS. Type of place of residence and region has significant effect on the awareness of HIV/AIDS, and also its transmission and prevention knowledge. Age of the respondents, husband education and occupation also have significant impact on the awareness of HIV/AIDS. Finding of this study further reflects that use of contraceptives is a predominant significant factor influencing the awareness of HIV/AIDS. Therefore, based on the findings it can be concluded that appropriate steps should be launched across the country to raise the awareness level of such a deadly disease for the reduction of its spread in Bangladesh. The Chittagong Univ. J. Sci. 43(1): 93-112, 2021

Intimate partner violence and social connection among married women in rural Bangladesh

BackgroundIntimate partner violence (IPV) is high among married women in Bangladesh. Social isolation is a well-established correlate of women’s exposure to IPV, but the role of such factors in low-income...

Bipolar disorder among married women in Bangladesh: Survey in Rajshahi city.

Bipolar disorder (BPD) is a major mental disorder which not only affects the personal and social functioning of an individual, but also inflicts a huge economic burden on the family. Yet, the study of BPD in Bangladesh is rare and poorly documented. Responding to the dire need, we conducted a new study to determine the prevalence of, and detect the associated factors of, BPD among married women in Rajshahi City, Bangladesh. We conducted a cross-sectional study, selecting households in Rajshahi City using a multi-stage random sampling design. The data consisted of 279 married women, who were screened for BPD using the bipolar spectrum diagnostic scale (BSDS). Frequency distribution, chi-square test and binary logistic regression model were used respectively to determine the prevalence, identify the associated factors and quantify their effects on BPD. The prevalence of BPD among married women in Rajshahi City was 2.5%, with an additional 7.2% classified as probable BPD. A binary logistic regression analysis established the following six main factors of BPD: (1) comorbid mental disorder [AOR = 8.232, 95% CI = (1.397, 50.000), p<0.05]; (2) poor relationship with husband [AOR = 11.775, 95% CI = (2.070, 66.667), p<0.01]; (3) poverty [AOR = 1.600, 95% CI = (2.086, 122.709), p<0.01]; (4) high educational level [AOR = 0.177, 95% CI = (0.037, 0.843), p<0.05]; (5) lack of immediate treatment if sick [AOR = 2.941, 95% CI = (1.259, 6.871), p<0.05]; and (6) death of beloved one/s [AOR = 2.768, 95% CI = (1.130, 6.777), p<0.05]. Our survey involved self-reporting, which is typically affected by differing levels of understanding and bias. Also, a cross-sectional, observational study cannot establish an actual cause-and-effect relationship. Some other potentially important factors such as environment, lifestyle, familial customs, effects of drugs, treatment options and outcomes, etc. were not studied. Also, save mental disorder, all other comorbidities remained undocumented. This study laid down the foundation for conducting further research on identifying different factors affecting BPD, and for studying other issues related to BPD among married women in Bangladesh. Among such factors are familial environment and culture, comorbidities, treatment options, treatment outcomes, biochemical feature, environmental factors, etc. This study also recommends that, while treating BPD patients, health professionals should focus on comorbidities and family matters.

Associated factors and their individual contributions to caesarean delivery among married women in Bangladesh: analysis of Bangladesh demographic and health survey data

BackgroundCaesarean section (CS) delivery has a significant effect on maternal and neonatal health especially in a developing country like Bangladesh. The aim of the study was to determine the risk factors and their individual contribution to CS delivery among Bangladeshi married women in reproductive age.MethodsThe cross sectional secondary data was used in this study. Data was extracted from Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS), 2014 dataset. BDHS-2014 collected data from all over Bangladesh. Stepwise logistic regression analysis and population attributable fractions (PAF) were utilized in this study.ResultsA total number of 4422 married Bangladeshi women having at least one child (age ≤ 5 years) were considered in this study. The prevalence of CS delivery among Bangladeshi women was 23.94%. The stepwise logistic regression model showed that location (division), type of residence, education of respondent and her husband, working status, age at first birth, number of children, wealth index and baby’s birth weight were most important predictors of CS delivery among Bangladeshi mothers. PAF demonstrated that overweight or obese women had highest contribution (23.36%) among the risk factors of CS delivery, followed by age at first birth (age > 20 years) (18.97%), highest wealth quintile (17.39%), higher education (15.93%), living in urban environment (14.39%), having lower number of ever born children (1–2 children) (13.58%), living in Dhaka division (12.11%), delivering large size of child at birth (11.13%) and housewife (6.55%).ConclusionsIn the present study, we have identified the important risk factors and their individual contribution to CS delivery in Bangladesh. Consequently, these factors can be considered for reducing the rate of CS delivery in Bangladesh.

Socio-economic and Demographic Risk Factors for Overweight or Obesity among Ever Married Women in Bangladesh: A Mixed Model Approach

Overweight or obesity has adverse effects on health as the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease is very high among overweight or obese women. Even mortality rate among overweight and obese people is more than that of normal or underweight people. The risk of facing adverse maternal and fetal complications during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum is higher among overweight/obese women. In Bangladesh, the percentage of overweight/obesity among ever married women which was only 9 percent in 2004 was found to be 24 percent in 2014. The main purpose of the study is to determine the responsible factors for the overweight or obesity among ever married women aged 15-49 years in Bangladesh. Data have been taken out from Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS), 2014 to serve this purpose. Since there are 600 clusters in BDHS data, cluster effects are taken into account to find the estimates of the regression parameters by applying mixed logistic regression model. The results obtained from the model show that women from poor family (OR = 0.69), living in Rangpur (OR=0.83) and Sylhet regions (OR = 0.66), currently working (OR = 0.79) and using modern contraceptive (OR = 0.88) are significantly less overweight/obese than women from middle class family, living in Dhaka region, currently not working and using contraceptive except modern type, respectively. On the other hand, women from urban residence (OR = 1.54), having education and educated husband, women from rich family (OR = 1.63), married women (OR = 1.48), older age, watching TV at least once in a week (OR = 1.35) and having two or three ever born children (OR = 1.31) are more overweight/obese than their respective counterpart.&#x0D; Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 67(2): 85-90, 2019 (July)

Factors Influencing in Developing Type II Diabetes among Married Women in Bangladesh: Data from Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2011

Factors Influencing in Developing Type II Diabetes among Married Women in Bangladesh: Data from Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2011

Secondhand smoking, knowledge/attitudes and socioeconomic status among married Bangladeshi women: a cross-sectional study.

There is a paucity of research on knowledge/attitudes regarding the dangers of exposure to secondhand smoking (SHS) among women. The relationship between exposure to SHS, socioeconomic status (SES) and knowledge/attitudes regarding the risks of SHS has often been ignored. We therefore aimed to examine (1) whether SES and exposure to SHS were independently associated with knowledge/attitudes regarding the risks of SHS; and (2) whether women with low SES and exposure to SHS were uniquely disadvantaged in terms of deficient knowledge and more dismissive attitudes towards the risks of SHS. Cross-sectional study in the Rajshahi district, Bangladesh. A total of 541 women were interviewed. Knowledge of and attitudes towards the risks of SHS were the outcomes of interest. A majority of the respondents were exposed to SHS at home (49.0%). Only 20.1% had higher levels of knowledge, and only 37.3% had non-dismissive attitudes towards the risks of SHS. Participants in the low SES group and those exposed to SHS had lower odds of higher knowledge and their attitudes towards the risks of SHS were more dismissive. Regarding deficient levels of knowledge and scores indicating more dismissive attitudes, women in the low SES group and who were exposed to SHS were not uniquely disadvantaged. Exposure to SHS and low SES were independently associated with deficient knowledge and scores indicating more dismissive attitudes. Regarding knowledge/attitudes, the negative effect of exposure to SHS extended across all socioeconomic backgrounds and was not limited to women in either the low or the high SES group.