Assessing the Impacts of Social Unrest on the Mental Health of Young Pregnant Women in Bangladesh: Implications for Equity and Inclusive Care
1
Medicine, Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College and Hospital, Ramna 1217, Bangladesh
2
Medicine, Manikganj Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A2482
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Perinatal mental health disorders represent a major yet underprioritized public health challenge in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Bangladesh, where prevalence rates are substantially higher than global averages. During July–August 2024, Bangladesh experienced nationwide sociopolitical unrest that disrupted healthcare systems, mobility, and livelihoods. Pregnant women, particularly those in early gestation, faced compounded biological vulnerability and structural instability. Evidence on how acute sociopolitical crises affect maternal mental health in LMIC settings remains limited.
METHODS:
We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional mixed-methods study across 11 government tertiary hospitals covering all eight administrative divisions of Bangladesh. Women aged 18–30 years who were in their first trimester during the July–August 2024 unrest and delivered by April 2025 were recruited using quota sampling (n=447). Mental health outcomes were assessed using validated Bengali versions of DASS-21, PSS, and PRAQ-R2. Open-ended questions captured lived experiences, coping mechanisms, and healthcare access. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, and qualitative responses underwent thematic content analysis.
RESULTS:
Anxiety symptoms were reported by 60.85% of participants, depressive symptoms by 48.77%, and elevated stress by 44.07%. Pregnancy-related anxiety was prevalent, with 91.5% reporting moderate to very high levels. Key stressors included insecurity related to unrest (43.9%), disrupted antenatal care (39.8%), financial instability (35.1%), and food insecurity (28%). Access to care was hindered by transportation shutdowns (50.7%) and fear of violence (40.8%). Despite high perceived importance of mental health care (76.28%), only 29.75% accessed psychosocial support. Qualitative findings revealed pervasive fear, uncertainty, and reliance on informal familial and spiritual coping strategies.
CONCLUSIONS:
This study demonstrates that sociopolitical crises significantly exacerbate perinatal mental health inequities in LMIC contexts. Integrating mental health into routine antenatal services, strengthening crisis-resilient health systems, and prioritizing reproductive justice are essential for equitable recovery. Centering young women’s voices is critical to advancing inclusive public health responses aligned with sustainability.
Perinatal mental health disorders represent a major yet underprioritized public health challenge in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Bangladesh, where prevalence rates are substantially higher than global averages. During July–August 2024, Bangladesh experienced nationwide sociopolitical unrest that disrupted healthcare systems, mobility, and livelihoods. Pregnant women, particularly those in early gestation, faced compounded biological vulnerability and structural instability. Evidence on how acute sociopolitical crises affect maternal mental health in LMIC settings remains limited.
METHODS:
We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional mixed-methods study across 11 government tertiary hospitals covering all eight administrative divisions of Bangladesh. Women aged 18–30 years who were in their first trimester during the July–August 2024 unrest and delivered by April 2025 were recruited using quota sampling (n=447). Mental health outcomes were assessed using validated Bengali versions of DASS-21, PSS, and PRAQ-R2. Open-ended questions captured lived experiences, coping mechanisms, and healthcare access. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, and qualitative responses underwent thematic content analysis.
RESULTS:
Anxiety symptoms were reported by 60.85% of participants, depressive symptoms by 48.77%, and elevated stress by 44.07%. Pregnancy-related anxiety was prevalent, with 91.5% reporting moderate to very high levels. Key stressors included insecurity related to unrest (43.9%), disrupted antenatal care (39.8%), financial instability (35.1%), and food insecurity (28%). Access to care was hindered by transportation shutdowns (50.7%) and fear of violence (40.8%). Despite high perceived importance of mental health care (76.28%), only 29.75% accessed psychosocial support. Qualitative findings revealed pervasive fear, uncertainty, and reliance on informal familial and spiritual coping strategies.
CONCLUSIONS:
This study demonstrates that sociopolitical crises significantly exacerbate perinatal mental health inequities in LMIC contexts. Integrating mental health into routine antenatal services, strengthening crisis-resilient health systems, and prioritizing reproductive justice are essential for equitable recovery. Centering young women’s voices is critical to advancing inclusive public health responses aligned with sustainability.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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