Family Planning Awareness: An Analysis of Unmarried Adolescent Girls in Bangladesh Using Data from a Nationally Representative Survey

Sumaiya Nusrat, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b)
Tazvir Amin, icddrb
M Moinuddin Haider, Icddr,B
Md. Mahabubur Rahman, icddrb
MHM Imrul Kabir, Florida State University

This study explores family planning (FP) knowledge among unmarried adolescent girls (UAGs) in Bangladesh, utilizing data from the nationally representative Bangladesh Adolescent Health and Wellbeing Survey (BAHWS) 2019-2020. FP knowledge is critical for empowering adolescents to make informed decisions regarding reproductive health, especially in regions where child marriage is prevalent. Despite numerous SRH initiatives, UAGs are often overlooked, leading to gaps in FP awareness. This paper analyzes the levels of FP knowledge among UAGs and its correlates, such as age, education, region, household wealth, and media exposure. Findings reveal that approximately 75% of UAGs possess knowledge of at least one modern FP method, with significant disparities observed across socio-economic and geographical variables. The study further assesses national policies and programs aimed at promoting adolescent health, identifying critical gaps in addressing FP awareness among UAGs. This research provides key policy recommendations to improve UAGs' access to FP knowledge and highlights the need for tailored interventions in national SRH strategies.

Keywords: Children, Adolescents, and Youth, Family Planning and Contraception, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Inequality, Disadvantage and Discrimination

See extended abstract.