Social behavior practices for child protection and well-being among low-income urban households in Bangladesh

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to explore the status of social behavior practices for child protection and well-being among low-income urban households in Bangladesh. This study used a survey method, and data were collected through a face-to-face structured interview from 378 low-income household heads from 12 wards (Konabari and Kashimpur) of Zone 5 of the Gazipur City Corporation. Results found that the current status of the presence of child protection services is very low (in many cases, this number is zero except children having birth registered). A significant number (55%) of them were married between 15 and 19 years. The study found a low level of access on the components of social behaviors where around 50% to 60% caregivers stated 4 benefits of key behaviors, necessity of hand washing after defecation and before and after taking a meal, the age of boys and girls to get married off, and know the effect and consequences of child marriage. The chi-squared tests confirmed extremely high significance in almost all of the components. Findings will be an important guideline for the policymakers, child service practitioners, and human rights workers.