Adolescent Boys' Perspectives on Reproductive Health and Gender Dynamics: A Study in Rural Rangpur District, Bangladesh

Author(s): Md. Maksud-ul Hasan, Anamul Hoque, Md. Ariful Islam, Md. Enamul Hassan, Lutfunnaher Begum, Md. Sohedul Islam

Background: Adolescence is a critical period for sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education in Bangladesh. This study explores the perspectives of adolescent boys (13-18 years) on reproductive health and gender dynamics in rural Rangpur District.

Methods: The study was led using a survey method, and data were collected using multistage stratified random sampling from 336 boys across six sub-districts in Rangpur from October to December 2023.

Results: Most participants were 14-16 years old (61.7%) and in grades/Class 10-11 (57.8%). While 70.2 percentage reported awareness of menstruation, 15.2% remained uninformed, highlighting potential educational gaps. Friends (26.8%) and health service providers (22.9%) were primary sources of knowledge. HIV/AIDS awareness was high (91.7%). Modern family planning method awareness was 81.0%, with pills and injectables surpassing IUD/Copper T (Table 2). Community clinics (66.1%) and family welfare centers (23.8%) were primary information sources, with doctors the most frequent (40.5%). Over 60% encountered SRH posters in healthcare facilities. Traditional expectations remained strong, with over 60% perceiving it unusual for a woman to leave the house without her husband's permission. Educational attainment at the tenth-grade level was significantly associated with more excellent HIV/AIDS knowledge (p=0.000*), and knowledge of STIs was significantly associated with awareness of modern family planning methods (p=0.000*).

Conclusions: This study identifies knowledge gaps and highlights the need for comprehensive SRH education tailored to rural adolescents in Bangladesh. Interventions addressing traditional gender roles and integrating family planning into STI prevention efforts are crucial.