Logo image
Knowledge of gendered needs among the planners and policy makers for prevention of NCDs in Bangladesh: a qualitative exploration
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Knowledge of gendered needs among the planners and policy makers for prevention of NCDs in Bangladesh: a qualitative exploration

Sadika Akhter, Mohammed Kamruzzaman, Iqbal Anwar, Mahmud Shaila Banu, Daniel D Reidpath and Adrian J Cameron
International journal for equity in health, Vol.23, pp.1-9
27/05/2024
PMID: 38802793
pdf
Knowledge of gendered needs among the planners and policy maker1.18 MBDownloadView
Published (Version of record)Corrected versionCC BY V4.0 Open Access
url
Knowledge of gendered needs among the planners and policy makerView
Published (Version of record)CC BY V4.0 Open

Related links

Metrics

1 File views/ downloads
18 Record Views

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#3 Good Health and Well-Being
#5 Gender Equality

Source: InCites

Abstract

Administrative Personnel - psychology Adult Bangladesh Female Health Policy Humans Interviews as Topic Male Noncommunicable Diseases - prevention & control Qualitative Research Women's Health
Globally, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are increasingly the primary cause of mortality and morbidity among women. Like many developing countries, Bangladesh also faces a growing burden of NCDs. The "Multisectoral Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases, 2018-2025" signifies Bangladesh's commitment to comprehensively combating the rising burden of NCDs. This study investigates the perceptions of those involved in developing the action plan and if/how a gender lens was incorporated into its implementation. In-depth interviews were conducted with 25 key individuals involved in a high-level committee to develop and implement Bangladesh's multisectoral action plan to address the burden of NCDs. Data were collected between July and November 2021, and thematic analysis was conducted. The findings revealed that interviewees believed the multisectoral action plan adopted a population-wide approach without considering gender-specific needs. This study presents the explanations for this inattention under five themes: (1) A population-level approach to NCD prevention; (2) Understanding women's health beyond reproductive health; (3) Absence of gender-specific programs; (4) Lack of consideration of gender constraints on physical activity; and (5) Lack of collaborative efforts to address NCDs beyond the health ministry. In conclusion, governments in countries like Bangladesh can develop more effective strategies to reduce the disease burden of NCDs among women by recognizing and addressing the gendered nature of preventive health. This can be achieved by promoting gender-responsive research, programs, and policy initiatives that consider women's specific health concerns, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for all.

Details

Logo image