Reproductive Health Challenges among Paudi Bhuiyan Women in India: An Empirical Analysis

Reproductive health is a fundamental human right with significant implications for public health, societal development, and economic prosperity. This study examines the reproductive health performance of Paudi Bhuyan women, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in Odisha, India. The focus is on how early marriage affects reproductive health outcomes among this tribal group. Despite the legal marriage age being 18, early marriage remains prevalent, leading to unintended pregnancies and severe health complications. We used stratified purposive sampling to select a total of 120 women from three villages in the Barkote block of Deogarh district, Odisha, with 40 women from each village aged 18 to 35 years. The findings reveal that early marriage is linked to earlier childbirth, reduced contraceptive use, and increased rates of miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant mortality. Additionally, socio-economic factors, including low education levels and limited employment opportunities, exacerbate these health issues. The study highlights significant correlations between delayed marriage and improved reproductive health outcomes, underscoring the need for targeted interventions and policy improvements. Recommendations include enhancing nutritional programs, addressing socio-economic and cultural barriers, and promoting gender equality to improve maternal and child health outcomes for Paudi Bhuyan women.