Impact of Saline Water Intrusion on Maternal and Neonatal Health in Coastal Communities of Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Saline water intrusion, intensified by climate change and sea-level rise, has emerged as a major environmental and public health concern for coastal communities in Bangladesh. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the impact of saline water intrusion on maternal complications and child health outcomes among coastal communities in Koyra, Batiaghata, and Dacope Upazilas of Khulna District, Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2024 to March 2025, involving 150 married women with one or two children under five years of age, and 180 children from the same households. Participants were selected purposively from the three saline-affected Upazilas. Structured interviews and health assessments were used to gather data on maternal health conditions, including menstrual irregularities, eclampsia, preeclampsia, excessive vaginal discharge, and skin complications, as well as child health indicators such as nutritional status, diarrheal episodes, skin conditions, and respiratory infections. Results: Among the mothers, 42.0% reported menstrual irregularities, 16.0% experienced eclampsia or preeclampsia during pregnancy, and 58.0% had a history of excessive vaginal discharge. Skin problems such as dryness (61.3%) and allergies (50.7%) were notably common. Among the children, 45.6% were mildly to moderately malnourished and 14.4% were severely malnourished. Frequent diarrheal episodes (≥3) were reported in 35.0% of children, while skin dryness affected 53.3% and respiratory illnesses (fever, cough, cold) occurred in 87.8% of the children within the last three months. Conclusion: The findings highlight a significant burden of both maternal and child health complications in saline-affected coastal communities, underscoring the need for urgent public health interventions, improved water management, and targeted health services to mitigate the adverse health impacts of saline water intrusion.