Prevalence and Determinants of Modern Contraceptive Use among Rohingya Women of Reproductive Age Residing in Refugee Camps in Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Mansura  Islam; Shah Ehsan  Habib; Raminul Islam  Rifat

doi:10.18502/jsbch.v8i2.16971

Mansura Islam Department of Sociology, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS- 39759, USA
Shah Ehsan Habib Department of Sociology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
Raminul Islam Rifat Department of Sociology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jsbch.v8i2.16971

Keywords: Refugee Camp, Reproductive health, Contraceptive devices, female

Abstract

Background: Comprehensive studies on the determinants of modern contraceptive use in humanitarian settings are relatively uncommon in Bangladesh. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and determinants of modern contraceptive use among Rohingya women living in the refugee camp of Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 160 Rohingya refugee women aged 15-49 living in unregistered camps (Camps 7 and 14) in Ukhiya Upazila, Cox's Bazar. In the study, participants were selected using a convenience sampling method, and the sample size was calculated using the single population proportion formula. However, only 160 participants were recruited due to travel restrictions and safety measures implemented throughout Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic. The data were gathered via a structured questionnaire. Results were summarized using both descriptive and inferential statistics and SPSS v.23 software was used for data analysis at 5% level of significance.

Results: The prevalence of contraceptive use was found to be 41.9%. The most commonly used contraceptives were Injection Depot-Provera

(65.7%) and Oral Contraceptive Pill (OCP) (28.4%) followed by implant (4.5%) and intrauterine device (IUD) (1.5%). Multivariate logistic regression revealed lower odds of modern contraceptive use among women who had more than a 1.5 year interval between the last two pregnancies (OR = 0.19; 95% CI = 0.07– 0.51) and higher odds were found who expressed a lack of desire for future pregnancies (OR = 13.69; 95% CI = 3.43–54.68). Community Health Workers (CHWs) (80.4%) were the main sources of information on modern contraceptives, whereas hospitals (83.6%) were the most accessible places to obtain contraceptives.

Conclusion: Community health workers play a vital role in disseminating information, emphasizing the need for their training and involvement in relevant programs. These findings are crucial for shaping future research, policies, and reproductive health services in humanitarian settings.