Reproductive Health and Socio-Cultural impact of Muslim Women in Odisha: A Household Level Analysis

Abstract

This study examines how socio-cultural and religious value orientations influence reproductive health behaviors among Muslim women in Dhamnagar block, located in the Bhadrak district of Odisha, India. In the context of deeply rooted patriarchal norms and religious beliefs, Utilization pattern of curative health care services and reproductive health decisions are often influenced by various socio-cultural factors. The aim of this study is to explore the impact of these factors on various types of diseases, health care services and family planning practices, with a focus on contraceptive use and decision-making within Muslim households. Data were collected from a purposively selected sample of 75 Muslim women through an interview schedule and observation techniques. The results show that reproductive choices are heavily influenced by male partners, with many women stating that their husbands primarily decide the number of children. Religious beliefs also play a significant role, with a majority of women viewing contraception as sinful and contrary to their faith. Nonetheless, some women report using contraceptives for the purpose of child spacing, rather than limiting the number of children. These findings highlight the continued impact of patriarchal values, gender-based decision-making, and religious interpretations on women’s control over reproductive health in the context of their communities.