Effects of Salinity on Menstrual and Reproductive Health: Insights from Coastal and Non-Coastal Areas of Bangladesh
Keywords:
Salinity intrusion; reproductive health; water quality; menstrual health; pregnancy complicationsAbstract
Background Salinity intrusion in coastal regions of Bangladesh is a growing concern due to its potential impact on public health, particularly reproductive health among women. Exposure to saline water may contribute to a variety of health challenges, including menstrual irregularities and pregnancy complications. Objective This study aimed to assess the reproductive health challenges faced by women in salinity-affected areas and compare these findings with women living in non-salinity-affected areas in Bangladesh. Methods A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted among 647 married women of reproductive age (15–49 years), with 405 participants from salinity-affected areas and 242 from non-salinityaffected areas. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire and face-to-face interviews. Water samples from the study areas were tested for salinity and other parameters, including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), and sodium (Na). Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, ordinal logistic regression, and the Mann-Whitney U test, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results Women in salinity-affected areas exhibited significantly higher rates of reproductive health issues, including irregular menstrual cycles (42.5% vs. 27.3%, p < 0.01), genital itching (38.2% vs. 18.6%, p < 0.001), and lower abdominal pain (35.4% vs. 20.2%, p < 0.001). Pregnancy complications were more prevalent in salinityaffected areas (48.6% vs. 32.4%, p < 0.01). Water quality analysis revealed higher salinity (4.5±1.3 ppt vs. 0.6±0.2 ppt, p < 0.001) and elevated sodium levels in the affected areas. Conclusion Salinity-affected areas in Bangladesh show a higher burden of reproductive health challenges among women, which may be linked to poor water quality. Effective interventions, including water treatment and community health education, are essential to mitigate these health risks.
Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 25 No. 03 July’26 Page: 784-796
1
0
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Farhana Ferdaus, Salma Begum
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish in the Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science agree to the following terms that:
- Authors retain copyright and grant Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science the right of first publication of the work.
Articles in Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License CC BY-4.0.This license permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as greater citation of published work.
