TITLE:
Social Awareness for Women’s Health: A Baseline Study in Gazaria, Munshiganj, Bangladesh
AUTHORS:
Lulu Al-Marjan, Halima Khatun, Mohammad Anisur Rahaman, Md. Mostafizar Rahman, Shakil Ahmed
KEYWORDS:
Women’s Health, Social Awareness, Public Health Intervention, Menstrual Hygiene, Social Perceptions and Practices
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Social Sciences,
Vol.12 No.3,
March
18,
2024
ABSTRACT: Background: In response to the critical need for addressing
women’s health issues in marginalized communities, this research undertook a
baseline study to assess social awareness related to women’s health in Gazaria,
Munshiganj, Bangladesh. The study focused on understanding the existing
knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding women’s health to inform targeted
interventions for improvement. Objective: The primary objective of the baseline study was to comprehensively
investigate the level of social awareness concerning women’s health in Gazaria,
Munshiganj, Bangladesh. Specific aims included assessing knowledge gaps,
identifying prevalent attitudes, and documenting
current health practices among the community members. Methodology: This research adopted a cross-sectional study design, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative research methods. A
structured questionnaire was administered to a representative sample of
individuals from the Gazaria community.
Additionally, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were
conducted to gather nuanced insights into social perceptions and practices
related to women’s health. The study period spanned [insert timeframe],
encompassing diverse demographic and socio-economic groups. Findings: The baseline study revealed critical insights into the social awareness
landscape regarding women’s health in Gazaria. Key findings included
disparities in knowledge about reproductive health, limited access to menstrual
hygiene products, and notable gaps in mental
health awareness. Additionally, prevailing socio-cultural norms and
economic constraints were identified as influential factors shaping women’s
health practices. The study highlighted the need for targeted interventions
addressing these specific challenges to enhance social awareness and promote
better health outcomes for women. Conclusion: This baseline study serves as a foundational step
towards understanding and improving social awareness regarding women’s health
in Gazaria, Munshiganj. The findings
underscore the urgency of tailored interventions to address knowledge
gaps, promote healthier practices, and foster a supportive community environment to promote SGDs. The insights
gained from this research can inform the development of comprehensive
public health strategies aimed at enhancing
women’s health awareness and well-being in similar socio-economic contexts.