Reproductive Health Problems Among Women in Selected Terai Districts of Nepal: A Critical Medico-Legal Assessment

Reproductive health challenges persist among women in Nepal's Terai districts, posing a considerable public health burden. The aim is to investigate the prevalence and determinants of reproductive health issues, including Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP), cervical lesions, cervical cancer, and their associated risk factors. This research utilizes a mixed-methods strategy to thoroughly investigate reproductive health issues among women of reproductive age in specific Terai districts of Nepal. The quantitative aspect of the study encompasses a cross-sectional survey administered to 570 women, employing Slovin's formula for sample size determination and pretested semi-structured questionnaires. Through the saturation theory, along with in-depth exploration and targeted analysis, 40 participants were interviewed, enabling a comprehensive understanding of the investigated phenomenon. The obtained data was analyzed in SPSS with the level of significance <0.005 level. The results indicate a high prevalence of uterine prolapse (42.5%) and cervical cancer (57.5%) within the surveyed population. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease POP, cervical lesions, and cervical cancer are notably linked to various factors including age, ethnicity, economic status, health-seeking behavior, age at first childbirth, nutritional status, and workload (p<0.005). Qualitative analysis identified underlying factors contributing to these reproductive health challenges and insights into health-seeking behavior and treatment practices. These findings highlight the critical need for tailored interventions and healthcare initiatives to tackle the prevalent reproductive health issues. Enhanced awareness of available reproductive health services is crucial for women's well-being. This study offers valuable insights into the complex landscape of reproductive health problems in Nepal's Terai region, laying the groundwork for evidence-based interventions and policy development aimed at enhancing the reproductive health outcomes for women in this demographic.