Abstract
The health and well-being of pregnant and lactating women in refugee populations, such as the Rohingya in Bangladesh, represent a significant public health challenge. This study, conducted in the Cox's Bazar area between June and September 2022, aimed to evaluate the physical determinants of morbidity among this vulnerable group, with a particular focus on the roles of maternal age and the duration of pregnancy and lactation periods. Through a descriptive cross-sectional approach, 804 participants were selected using simple random sampling from the makeshift camps at Ukhiya. Data were gathered using semi-structured questionnaires and analyzed with SPSS-26 and Stata-13 software. The findings revealed a notable correlation between younger maternal ages (18 and 20 years) and increased health risks, such as anemia, hypertension, and gestational diabetes, whereas age 21 showed an unexpected positive correlation with better health outcomes. Additionally, extended durations of pregnancy were associated with higher morbidity rates, highlighting conditions like acidity, viral fever, and cough as prevalent among the participants. This study underscores the complex interplay between social, environmental, and individual factors that influence the health of pregnant and lactating Rohingya women, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted health interventions. These interventions should be sensitive to the specific challenges posed by displacement and the makeshift living conditions, incorporating comprehensive support that spans nutritional, medical, and psychological care. By shedding light on the nuanced health needs of Rohingya refugee women, this research contributes valuable insights towards enhancing health strategies and interventions in similar humanitarian crises globally.