Citation

Sarkar NN. Int. Med. J. 2008; 15(4): 261-264.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Japan International Cultural Exchange Foundation)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to enumerate, evaluate and elucidate women's health matters associated with their socio-economic and gender disadvantage in India. Materials and methods: Data were extracted from literature through MEDLINE database service for years 2002-07. Original articles, surveys, studies pertinent to Indian context were considered for this review. Results: Moderate malnutrition among 47% rural women was believed to be due to lack of women's empowerment, besides gender disadvantage. Domestic violence and sexual coercion increased risk of malnutrition among mothers and children. Socio-economically deprived, illiterate or older women in the community reported chronic fatigue. Sexual violence by husband and poor mental health were strongly associated with women's chronic fatigue. Incidence of 6.6% common mental disorders (CMD) and 64.8% mixed anxiety depressive disorders in women were found to have association with gender disadvantage. Sexual violence by husband, being widowed or separated, having less autonomy in decision making and less support from the family besides gynaecological complaints, vaginal discharge and dyspareunia, and economic adversity or hunger were also associated with CMD. Poverty, isolation and spousal violence were correlated with sexually transmitted infection (STI) and bacterial vaginosis, while husband's extramarital relationship was strongly associated with STI. Conclusion: Gender disadvantage, poverty and ignorance among women are key factors associated with their sufferings. Imparting of basic education to the common mass is required to improve upon women's life and living in India.