Changing views on education, marriage, and reproductive health among rural youth in Bangladesh: implications for preconception health promotion

Background: Child marriage remains a critical reproductive health and social concern in Bangladesh, particularly in rural communities where traditional expectations and economic constraints shape young people’s life choices. The COVID-19 pandemic further increased the risk of child marriage through school closures and socioeconomic shocks. From a preconception health perspective, adolescence is a critical period for shaping reproductive attitudes and life decisions. This study explored the evolving perceptions of education, marriage, and reproductive health among rural youth in Bangladesh. Methods: An exploratory qualitative study was conducted in two rural villages in Madaripur District in December 2021. Two workshops were facilitated by a female NGO facilitator experienced in adolescent development. Sessions were conducted in Bangla and audio-recorded. The facilitator prepared English verbatim transcripts, which the researcher reviewed alongside the original recordings to ensure contextual accuracy. An interpretive reading approach was employed to identify recurring themes and representative narratives. Results: Four themes emerged: (1) education as dignity and empowerment; (2) negotiating parental expectations and personal will; (3) awareness of child-marriage consequences; and (4) envisioning partnership and mutual respect. Youth narratives revealed incremental yet meaningful shifts toward self-determination and reproductive awareness. Conclusions: Education and community dialogue contribute to delaying child marriage and strengthening preconception health awareness. For nurses and midwives, supporting culturally sensitive, community-based reproductive literacy and intergenerational communication before marriage or pregnancy represents a practical pathway to sustainable preconception health promotion in rural settings.