Reproductive morbidity among married Muslim women: a community-based study in an urban slum of Mumbai, India

Vahhida M. Pinjari; Bal N. Rakshase; Ashish V. Pardhi

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20244011

Authors

Vahhida M. Pinjari Department of Social Work, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Deonar, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Bal N. Rakshase School of Health Systems Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Deonar, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Ashish V. Pardhi School of Health Systems Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Deonar, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20244011

Keywords:

Health-seeking behavior, Muslim women, Reproductive morbidity, Urban slum

Abstract

Background: Reproductive morbidity is prevalent within the community; however maternal mortality remains a key indicator of maternal health. The present study examined the prevalence of reproductive morbidities with a specific emphasis on menstrual problems and RTI among married Muslim women. The paper also explored their health-seeking behavior and its association with socio-demographic and cultural determinant.

Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted in urban slum of Mumbai, India. Three hundred married Muslim women of reproductive age (15-49) were interviewed. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 23.0.

Results: About 45% of the respondents had experienced at least one symptom of reproductive morbidity. Painful periods and white discharge were the most common symptoms. Only 43% and 47.4% respondents sought treatment for menstrual and RTIs problems respectively. Around 31% of respondents preferred home remedies for treatment, while 23% went to the government hospitals.

Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of reproductive health morbidities and low health-seeking behavior among Muslim women in the study area.

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Author Biographies

Bal N. Rakshase, School of Health Systems Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Deonar, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Department of Social Work, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Deonar, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Ashish V. Pardhi, School of Health Systems Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Deonar, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

School of Social Sciences, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Deonar, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

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