Influences of Cultural Dimensions on Obstetric Health in Northern Bangladesh

Abstract

The present study attempts to explore the cultural dimensions that influence obstetric health in suburban areas in northern Bangladesh. Mixed methods were used to conduct the present study. One hundred and twenty-five (125) respondents were selected through purposive sampling; all the female respondents had given birth within the last two years. Additionally, twenty (20) case studies and five (5) key informants’ analysis were conducted in this regard. The research findings showed that some sociocultural factors such as patriarchy, conservative attitudes towards female gender, food taboos, high workload, shyness and taboo around gynecological and obstetric health issues, and perception of women being a family burden influenced obstetric health adversely. Also, many other cultural practices regarding obstetric health were noticed to have influenced obstetric health in the area in various other ways.