Speakers - PHWC2025

Abstract

Objectives:

This study aims to assess family planning (FP) awareness among never married adolescent girls (NMAGs) in Bangladesh and evaluate the effectiveness of existing FP programs and initiatives in addressing their needs through a structured policy analysis framework.

Methods:

This study utilized a secondary analysis of data from the Bangladesh Adolescent Health and Wellbeing Survey (BAHWS) 2019–20, the first nationally representative survey targeting adolescents aged 15–19 in Bangladesh. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were applied to identify sociodemographic factors associated with FP awareness. Furthermore, the study employed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) policy analysis framework to systematically evaluate national policies, programs, and strategies implemented since 2012—including the National Adolescent Health Strategy (2017–2030), the Bangladesh National Adolescent Strategy (2020), and flagship projects such as Advancing Adolescent Health (A2H) and Shukhi Jibon—with a specific focus on their inclusivity and effectiveness for NMAGs.

Results:

Approximately 75% of NMAGs reported awareness of at least one modern FP method. Awareness was notably higher among adolescents in the highest wealth quintile (79%) compared to those in the lowest quintile (74%). Regionally, the western area exhibited greater FP awareness (83%) compared to the eastern region (67%). Multivariable analysis identified age, educational attainment, wealth index, access to mobile and internet services, and exposure to adolescent programs as significant predictors of FP awareness. The CDC policy analysis underscored a critical policy gap, revealing that aside from the A2H initiative, no other national programs or strategies specifically addressed FP awareness among NMAGs in Bangladesh.

Discussion:

This study provides novel insights into the sociodemographic disparities influencing FP awareness among NMAGs in Bangladesh. The findings highlight that despite existing national strategies, significant policy gaps persist in addressing the specific needs of NMAGs. The absence of targeted interventions beyond the A2H program indicates missed opportunities to promote sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education within this demographic. These results underscore the urgency for a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach that integrates FP education into broader adolescent health initiatives. Strategic collaboration between government bodies and development partners is essential to develop inclusive, evidence-based interventions that empower NMAGs with the knowledge and resources necessary for informed reproductive health decisions.

Conclusion:

The study emphasizes the critical need for tailored, evidence-based policies to enhance FP awareness among NMAGs in Bangladesh. Future initiatives should prioritize inclusivity and adaptability, integrating FP education into adolescent health programs and bridging existing policy gaps. Such efforts are vital to safeguarding the sexual and reproductive health and rights of adolescents.