Effect of Womens View Toward Their Rights on Receiving Better Antenatal Care in Bangladesh

Abstract

Abstract: Background: In a country, many girls may forcefully be married off at an early age where they might have no hand in it. But the thought and view they carry throughout their lifetime can be resembled in the lives of their children too and can proclaim plenty of the country problems, especially receiving improved antenatal care (ANC). A woman or a prospective mothers view of her husband beating her tells a lot about a country people view, and preferred age of marrying by a woman can also exhibit her attitude toward her rights and goals. However, limited research has focused on understanding women perspectives on their rights and their relation with ANC quality in Bangladesh. The findings of this study will contribute to a deeper understanding of women perspectives on their rights and the barriers they face in accessing quality ANC. Objective: This study aims to investigate the view of Bangladeshi women toward their own rights and the impact on their access to improved ANC. Method: To address this gap, a binary logistic regression model was employed by analyzing in IBM SPSS Statistics 25 using Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) 2017-18 data. The study recruited a diverse sample of women from various social backgrounds, beliefs, and geographical locations in Bangladesh. Result: It was spotted that a small percentage (6.6%) of women in Bangladesh were under proper ANC coverage. The women who did not justify domestic violence were 1.231 times more likely to be under ANC coverage in Bangladesh than those who justified domestic violence in the adjusted model. Moreover, women with no education were .048 times less likely to be under ANC coverage than women with higher education. Women who were not exposed to media were .099 times less likely to be under ANC coverage than those who were exposed to media. Unfortunately, almost one-fifth of all Bangladeshi women (19.6%) justified being beaten by their husbands. Conclusion: Entitlements of women enable them to actively engage in their own healthcare programs, leading to improved health outcomes for both mother and child. Through targeted awareness campaigns, educational initiatives, and policy advocacy, Bangladesh can create an environment where women are aware of their rights and have access to quality ANC services. By ensuring their rights are respected, a society that values reproductive health and the well-being of women and children can strive.