Knowledge of Sexual and Reproductive Health among Rohingya Refugee Girls aged 12-17 years in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: The Rohingya people of Myanmar are among the most persecuted groups in society today. They have been subjected to government-sponsored discrimination, detention, abuse, and torture since receiving citizenship denial in 1982. The Rohingya community in Bangladesh resides in congested temporary housing with poor access to healthcare. Numerous variables, such as an increase in gender-based violence, a lack of knowledge about Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI), young marriages, risky sexual activities, and restricted access to STI testing and treatment facilities, have an impact on the general health of the Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH). To avoid SRH problems in these circumstances, accurate knowledge is crucial. For individuals who are vulnerable, such as girls between the ages of 12 and 17, this is essential. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of SRH knowledge among Rohingya girls aged 12 to 17 living in these camps in Bangladesh. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Rohingya refugee camp 3, ukhia, Cox’s Bazar Bangladesh. A total of 362 Rohingya refugee females aged 12-17 years were included in this study. They were selected conveniently. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. Results: Our study determined, the overall knowledge about sexual and reproductive health among the Rohingya refugee females aged 12-17 years in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh was 21.8% (79 participants, n = 362). Associated risk factors were age (in years) (β = 0.367, p = <0.001), parental educational status (β = 0.346, p = <0.001), and average monthly income (β = 0.168, p = 0.002). Conclusion: Rohingya refugees females aged 12-17 years have very poor awareness of SRH. The degree of knowledge is directly related to the younger age, having illiterate parents and lower monthly income. Urgent community based approach, continual health promotion, and increasing awareness is needed to overcome this situation.