Indigenous Hygiene Practices among Married Rural Women in Bangladesh: Cultural Practices, Health Challenges and Policy Recommendations

Abstract

Hygiene practices among women are critical determinants of public health, reproductive well-being, and gender equality; however, indigenous hygiene practices among married women in rural Bangladesh remain inadequately explored. This study aimed to examine indigenous hygiene practices, identify the socio-cultural and environmental factors influencing these practices, assess their implications for women's health, and develop evidence-based recommendations for culturally responsive hygiene promotion. A convergent mixed-methods design was employed, combining a quantitative survey of 220 married rural women, 25 in-depth case studies, and three Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) conducted in four randomly selected rural areas of Sylhet and Rajshahi districts of Bangladesh. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically and integrated through methodological triangulation. The findings indicate that indigenous hygiene practices remain an important part of rural women's daily lives, although their frequency and safety vary across different practices. Family traditions, mothers-in-law, religious beliefs, and community norms emerged as important influences on women's hygiene behaviours. Quantitative findings demonstrated positive associations between personal, reproductive, and menstrual hygiene practices and women's health outcomes. Case studies showed that indigenous hygiene knowledge is primarily transmitted through intergenerational family practices, while women increasingly combine traditional knowledge with modern health information. The FGDs further indicated that beneficial indigenous practices should be preserved, whereas potentially harmful practices related to menstruation, postpartum care, and hygiene misconceptions require culturally sensitive behavioural interventions. Participants emphasized family-centered hygiene education, improved access to water, sanitation and hygiene facilities, and stronger community participation. The study recommends developing a National Women's Hygiene and Health Promotion Policy, integrating culturally appropriate hygiene education into primary healthcare, expanding community-based awareness programmes, strengthening research, and promoting multisectoral collaboration among government agencies, NGOs, INGOs, universities, and community organizations. By bridging indigenous knowledge with evidence-based public health practices, the study contributes to SDG 3, SDG 5, and SDG 6 and provides evidence for policymakers, health and gender-development practitioners, researchers, and development organizations working to improve women's hygiene and health in rural Bangladesh.