Publication Date
2025
Document Type
Dissertation/Thesis
First Advisor
Einolf, Christopher J.
Degree Name
M.A. (Master of Arts)
Legacy Department
Department of Sociology
Abstract
This study explores how college-going women in Bangladesh navigate reproductive health decision-making within a sociocultural environment shaped by silence, stigma, and limited formal sex education. Guided by social norm theory, the study draws on semi-structured interviews with 15 unmarried female students aged 18 to 25. The findings show that discussions with parents about reproductive health were often restricted and framed in moral or disciplinary terms. Peer conversations were more open but varied in accuracy and depth. School-based sex education focused primarily on biological aspects, offering limited practical or emotional relevance. Consequently, many participants turned to the internet as a private and nonjudgmental source of information on reproductive health. While online resources helped fill important knowledge gaps, they also led to confusion when faced with misinformation or contradictory content. The study underscores the need for accessible, youth-friendly reproductive health education and recommends targeted efforts to address restrictive social norms surrounding reproductive health in Bangladesh.
Recommended Citation
Nishat, Ibtida, "Exploring the Influence of Parental and Peer Communication, Sex Education, and Online Sources on Reproductive Health Decision-Making Among College-Going Women in Bangladesh" (2025). Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations. 8130.
https://huskiecommons.lib.niu.edu/allgraduate-thesesdissertations/8130
Extent
69 pages
Language
en
Publisher
Northern Illinois University
Rights Statement
In Copyright
Rights Statement 2
NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.
Media Type
Text
