Religion and Maternal Healthcare-Seeking Behavior in Muslim and Hindu Communities in Rural Bangladesh: A Qualitative...

This study investigates how religious and cultural factors shape the maternal healthcare-seeking behavior of Muslim and Hindu women in rural Bangladesh. Employing a qualitative methodology, data were gathered through focus group discussions and key informant interviews from April 2023 to December 2024. The participants comprised community members, traditional healers, spiritual leaders, and healthcare providers. The results indicate that conventional practices, such as Ayurveda among Hindus and Taweez among Muslims, often delay access to modern medical care, a challenge further exacerbated by poverty and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. Economic limitations further restrict access to skilled birth attendants and prenatal care, leading to adverse maternal health outcomes, including malnutrition and complications that could have been prevented. Younger, educated individuals are increasingly blending modern healthcare with traditional approaches. This study advocates for culturally sensitive health education, enhanced infrastructure, and collaboration between traditional and modern healthcare systems to improve maternal health outcomes.