Comparing reproductive health communication with mothers between urban and rural adolescent girls

Background: Reproductive health (RH) communication between mothers and adolescent girls is critical for fostering knowledge and healthy behaviors. This communication varies significantly between urban and rural settings due to different socio-cultural contexts and access to information. The aim of this study was to compare RH communication with mothers between urban and rural adolescent girls. Methods: This cross-sectional comparative study was conducted from January to December 2020 in Mithapukur upazila (rural) and Rangpur city (urban) in Bangladesh. A total of 112 adolescent girls aged 14 to 17 from class 9 and 10 were interviewed, with 56 girls from each area. Results: Socio-demographic characteristics were similar in both groups. In both urban and rural areas, 67.9% of respondents communicated with their mothers about RH, while 32.1% did not. In the past six months, 58.9% of urban and 57.1% of rural girls had no RH discussions. Menstruation and pubertal changes were the most common topics in both areas, while other RH topics were less frequently discussed. Discussions often began at the onset of menstruation or between ages 9-12, with some starting during high school entry or initiated by the girls themselves, though 32.1% in both areas had not started discussions. The majority were only informed about necessary RH parts. Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrate that RH communication among urban adolescent girls was higher as compared to the rural adolescent girls.

Childbirth experience of mothers attending selected secondary hospital

Background: Childbirth experience is an important event in every woman抯 life but there is lack of current research in this area in Bangladesh. For improving quality of care for pregnant women during childbirth, clinical care modalities should be designed to improve the experience of care by the mothers. The aim of the study was to assess the childbirth experience in regards to respectful maternity care, effective communication, companionship during childbirth and continuity of care. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between January to December 2020 among 98 mothers during facility-based childbirth in one model district hospital and one existing district hospital situated in northern part of the country. Results: Mean age of the respondents was 23.2 years (+SD 5.0). Majority completed secondary education (53.1%), and their average monthly family income was 12081.63 taka (+SD 5469.08). Childbirth experience was not associated with socio-demographic status and educational background (P>0.05). This study presents data on physical abuse prevalence and consent refusal rates among respondents, stratified by age groups, educational levels, and monthly family income. Despite variations observed across demographics, statistical analysis, including chi-square tests with continuity correction, revealed no significant differences (P<0.05) in these outcomes based on demographic factors. Conclusions: More than half of the mothers experienced non consented care and around one fourth of mothers being physically abused during childbirth.