What we know and don’t know: a mapping review of available evidence, and evidence gaps, on adolescent sexual and reproductive health in Bangladesh

Abstract

Across low- and middle-income countries, investment in adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) is growing. However, the lack of comprehensive ASRH data hinders programmes. This mapping review examines the available evidence on ASRH in Bangladesh and points out the areas where critical information gaps exist. National surveys, research studies, grey literature, and reports on ASRH in Bangladesh published between 2011 and 2021 were reviewed. Data were extracted into categories, and topical summaries were presented. Research gaps were identified using an analytical framework informed by the Guttmacher Institute’s global summary of ASRH research gaps. The gaps identified were synthesised according to relevance against three of the framework’s categories: coverage, under-reporting and substantive. We also explored the extent to which human rights dimensions of ASRH have been addressed in the literature. While some of the issues covered, such as access to ASRH information, bodily autonomy and self-determination regarding marriage and childbearing choices, clearly address dimensions of human rights, very few studies were found that explored ASRH through a human rights lens. Furthermore, many of the same research gaps identified globally were also evident in the Bangladesh-specific literature. We assert that an expanded ASRH research agenda in Bangladesh that aims to fill the identified evidence gaps would inform more robust, targeted ASRH programming.

Keywords

• adolescent health
• sexual and reproductive health
• gender-based violence
• research gaps
• Bangladesh