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Cultural Taboos and Misinformation about Menstrual Health Management in Rural Bangladesh

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  • Silvia Castro
  • Kristina Czura

Abstract

Every month, millions of women worldwide face challenges managing their menstrual hygiene, suffering negative impacts on their health, education, and productivity. Cultural taboos and social norms may contribute to harmful health behaviors and may also interfere with attempts to improve knowledge. Our study explores how deep-rooted cultural norms relate to, and potentially hinder, effective menstrual hygiene practices. We engaged with women in rural communities in Bangladesh to understand and quantify their well-being during menstruation and their perceptions on the prevailing social norms around menstrual health. With an educational intervention, we aim to disseminate crucial knowledge on menstrual hygiene practices. Our findings show that while the information intervention succeeded in reshaping certain misconceptions and menstrual practices, it was not enough to alter deep-seated norms regarding the washing and maintenance of menstrual cloth.

Suggested Citation

  • Silvia Castro & Kristina Czura, 2024. "Cultural Taboos and Misinformation about Menstrual Health Management in Rural Bangladesh," CESifo Working Paper Series 11204, CESifo.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:ceswps:_11204
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    social norms; menstrual health management; menstrual hygiene; information; adverse health behavior;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • I15 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Economic Development
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • O12 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Microeconomic Analyses of Economic Development

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