Investigating health impacts of household air pollution on woman's pregnancy and sterilization: Empirical evidence from Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh

The health impacts of increasing household air pollution produced by inefficient cooking fuels on woman's health concerning pregnancy, fertility, and sterilization in the most populous South Asian countries have not got due attention previously. As these health issues are some of the most critical health indicators for women; therefore, the study investigates a robust statistical relationship between household air pollution produced by cooking fuels and above indicators of woman's health that are less focused. Because living in such an environment can increase more health risks unless effective strategies based on empirical research foundations are put in place to curb the rising health implications. The study uses cross-sectional data of the three most populous countries of South Asia (India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh) and employs the MANOVA and OLS regression methods to examine this empirical relationship. The results have revealed that the type of cooking fuel is the topmost concern for a woman's health, such as termination and duration of current pregnancy, years since and age at sterilization, residence, and education. Moreover, cooking places also adversely impact age at sterilization. Based on findings, the study proposes effective policy suggestions to the governments and policymakers to take necessary measures to prevent health risks.