IJFANS International Journal of Food and Nutritional Sciences

ISSN PRINT 2319 1775 Online 2320-7876

STATUS OF REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH OF MEITEI PANGAL: A STUDY OF KWAKTA IN BISHNUPUR DISTRICT, MANIPUR

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Rajiya Shahani

Abstract

Reproductive health refers to the overall health and well-being of individuals in relation to their reproductive systems, including physical, emotional, and social aspects. Poor reproductive health can lead to adverse outcomes such as infertility, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), maternal and child mortality, and morbidity. The Meitei Pangals (Muslims) of Manipur faces various challenges in accessing reproductive health care services. These include lack of awareness, inadequate healthcare facilities, gender inequality, and socio-cultural barriers. Cultural and religious norms may also contribute to limited knowledge and understanding of family planning, contraception, and reproductive health. Additionally, poverty and low levels of education among the community made it difficult to access quality reproductive health care services. This often leads to poor maternal and child health outcomes and high rates of STIs. Overall, concerted efforts are needed to improve the reproductive health of the Meitei Pangal (Muslim) community of Manipur. This includes increasing access to quality healthcare services, raising awareness on reproductive health, and addressing barriers related to gender and socio-cultural norms. Hence the proposed study is trying to unearth the reproductive health of Meitei Pangals of Kwakta in Bishnupur district. The study is focused on 80 married women who have been further sub-divided into 3 age groups i.e., a) 16-25, b) 26-35, c) 36-45. The respondents have been selected by purposive sampling and the data have been collected with the help of a structured interview schedule covering particularly their socio-economic status, health, education, decision making, cultural factors and their perception and awareness level about the health care services.

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