3. Original Scientific Paper Reproductive Health Problems and Awareness among the Birhor Females of Purulia District, West Bengal, India by N. Parvin, R.N. Kundu, D. Chakrabarti and S. Biswas Abstract Objective: The present study tries to find out the reproductive health related problems and awareness about reproductive health and hygiene among the Birhor females of West Bengal. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study has been carried out among 94 female participants. The present study was conducted in 3 blocks namely Baghmundi, Jhalda and Balarampur of Purulia district among Birhor married females aged between 15 to 50 years. To collect the data on Reproductive health and awareness a pre-tested semi structured schedule was used and in-depth investigations were carried out among the research participants after verbal consent. Results: In the present study 22.67 percent female have the problem of menstrual irregularities and 54.67 percent female have painful menstruation. In this present study 49.33 percent females have reported that their menstruation blood flow is very scanty. The present study also shows that 58.5 percent Birhor females are non-literate and in case of hygiene related issues, 84 percent Birhor females use cloth (both old and new cloth) during their menstrual periods. In case of family planning methods 36.67 percent females have reported that they did not use any contraceptives, 28.33 percent prefers oral pill as contraceptive method. Conclusion: Among the Birhor females awareness on reproductive health and hygiene is poor. However, to bring changes in their reproductive health condition specially in health seeking behavior of the females, initiatives of improved health services and its proper way of executions is necessary, as women are the strong pillar of any vibrant society. Download Complete Article