Publication:

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

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.