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Gender Equality and Health Outcomes: Exploring Maternal and Reproductive Health Gaps in Rural vs. Urban Bangladesh

Students & Supervisors

Student Authors
Tohomina Rahman Tisha
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science & Engineering, FST
Supervisors
Md. Mortuza Ahmmed
Associate Professor, Faculty, FST

Abstract

Background: Though the maternal and reproductive healthcare system in Bangladesh has improved a lot over the past two decades, persistent gaps have also been observed across rural and urban populations. The study aims to assess the impact of gender equality, regional access, and educational background on maternal and reproductive health. Methods: This data was collected from various national surveys, including Bangladesh Maternal Mortality Surveys, Bangladesh Demographic and Health Surveys, and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys. Key indicators of this survey are the maternal mortality ratio (MMR), skilled birth attendance, and adolescent birth ratios. Contextual variables such as women's education and women’s participation in healthcare decisions were also considered in the analysis. Results: Since 2000, MMR (per 100,000 live births) decreased by 76% from 382 to 92 in rural areas and by 86% from 198 to 28 in urban areas. Compared to urban women, rural women's MMR remains 3.3 times higher. The use of contraceptives has grown by 69% in rural areas and 43% in urban areas. Skilled birth attendance remains unequal, with a 50% difference between rural (41.5%) and urban (82.8%) maternal care. Adolescent birth rate is two times higher in rural areas (62.5) than in urban areas (30.5), and Female education is 17.5% lower in rural areas. Geographic inequality remains; rural women often face a 3.5 km journey, while urban women travel only 0.2 km. Conclusion: Despite commendable progress in improving maternal and reproductive health at the national level, persistent gaps exist between rural and urban healthcare. Achieving standard improvement in both rural and urban maternal and reproductive health requires more focus on rural health canters, remote health services, more female health workers, and girls' schooling. Keywords: Rural and urban healthcare, MMR, education.

Keywords

Rural and urban healthcare MMR education.

Publication Details

  • Type of Publication: Conference 
  • Conference Name: 4th National Research Project Contest - 2025
  • Date of Conference: 21/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
  • Venue: Bangladesh University of Professionals, Dhaka, Dhaka Division, Bangladesh
  • Organizer: Bangladesh University Project and Research Society (BUPRS)
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