Exploring Knowledge and Practices Regarding Menstrual Hygiene Management Among Bihari Women in the Geneva Camp in Bangladesh

The goal of this study was to evaluate the MHM-related knowledge and behaviors of Bihari women living in the Mohammadpur Geneva Camp (MGC) in Dhaka, Bangladesh. This study was carried out by academics from Australia and Bangladesh, and the results were presented in the journal “Women, Midwives and Midwifery – 2022” (Volume 2, Issue 1). The main objective was to draw attention to the Menstrual Health Management (MHM)-related difficulties of Bihari women; which could be helpful for researchers, policymakers, and medical professionals. The information might potentially serve as a foundation for treatments focused on MHM for Bangladeshi refugee women.

In 2017, professional interviewers used a standardized questionnaire to perform a cross-sectional study of Bihari women and girls. 160 Bihari women, ranging in age from 15 to 49, were chosen using a purposive sampling technique. SPSS software was used to enter, purge, and analyze the data. The Mohammadpur Geneva Camp in Dhaka underwent univariate and bivariate analysis to investigate knowledge and MHM-related behaviors.

According to the overall research, the majority of women (59.4) had little awareness of menstruation. The usage of disposable sanitary napkins was more than a quarter (27.0%). The majority of Bihari women (73%) who did not use sanitary pads claimed to have used cotton (9.40%), old disposable clothing (59.83%), cotton (25.64%), or toilet tissue paper instead (4.27%). 68.0% of the women took special baths, and 36.9% observed sociocultural taboos during menstruation. Higher menstrual knowledge was linked to more disposable sanitary napkins being used, according to the bivariate analysis (low knowledge: 18.9%, high knowledge: 38.5%; p<0.01).

The results imply that in order to maintain effective menstrual hygiene habits, Bihari women must possess enough and pertinent knowledge of menstruation. The research can be utilized to better women’s reproductive health and well-being and lower the risk of reproductive tract infections (RTI) among socially disadvantaged women. The findings emphasize obstacles faced by refugee women in sustaining MHM.

Click the button below to download the full paper:

Download MHM practices among Bihari women in Geneva camp

Source: ResearchGate