Self-reported urinary tract infection and bacterial vaginosis symptoms among indigenous adolescents during seasonal periods of water scarcity: A cross-sectional study in Bandarban Hill District of Bangladesh

Plabon Sarkar, M. A. Rifat, Imdadul Haque Talukdar, Nobonita Saha, Nicole S. Rodriguez Neufeld, Md. Ibrahim Miah, Sanjib Saha

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract


Background and Aims

Water scarcity and poor water quality could lead to suboptimum menstrual hygiene practices, and subsequently urinary tract infection (UTI) and bacterial vaginosis (BV). In this study, we estimate the prevalence of self-reported UTI and BV among indigenous adolescent girls during the water scarcity period in the Bandarban Hill Districts in south-eastern Bangladesh.
Methods

Using a cross-sectional design, a total of 242 indigenous adolescent girls were selected and interviewed during the seasonal water scarcity period (from February to May 2022) in Bandarban. The difference in prevalence of any self-reported UTI or BV symptoms by respondents' characteristics was assessed by χ2 test. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to observe the associated factors.
Results

The prevalence of self-reported UTI, BV, and any symptoms of UTI or BV among the respondents were 35.54%, 28.93%, and 43.80%, respectively. Ethnicity, studentship status, source of water used for menstrual hygiene, and perceived water quality were significantly associated with the prevalence of any self-reported UTI or BV symptoms.
Conclusion

Findings recommend further research to cross-check the validity of self-reported prevalence and investigate if the episodes of UTI or BV could be attributable to water scarcity and poor water quality in study areas during dry period.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages10
JournalHealth Science Reports
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024 May 6

Subject classification (UKÄ)

  • Public Health, Global Health, Social Medicine and Epidemiology
  • Infectious Medicine
  • Environmental Health and Occupational Health

Free keywords

  • adolescents
  • bacterial vaginosis
  • Bandarban
  • Bangladesh
  • Chattogram Hill Tracts
  • menstrual hygiene
  • urinary tract infection
  • water pollution
  • water scarcity

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