Dr. Rajkumar Singh
Women’s health encompasses a wide range of physical, mental, and social well-being aspects that are distinct due to biological, cultural, and social factors. Women’s health needs change across different life stages, from adolescence to reproductive years, menopause, and beyond.The key aspects of women’s health care include: a. Reproductive Health: This includes menstrual health, contraception, pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. Access to reproductive healthcare is crucial for preventing and managing conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and infertility.b. Cardiovascular Health: Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death among women. Factors such as hormonal changes, pregnancy, and menopause influence heart health, and women may experience different symptoms of heart attacks compared to men.c.Breast and Gynecological Health: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women. Regular screenings, such as mammograms and Pap smears, are essential for early detection and prevention of breast and cervical cancers.d.Mental Health: Women are more likely to experience mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. Hormonal fluctuations, societal pressures, and life events like childbirth can impact mental well-being.e.Bone Health: Women are at higher risk for osteoporosis, especially after menopause due to a decrease in estrogen levels. Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, along with weight-bearing exercises, are important for maintaining bone density. f.Chronic Conditions: Conditions like autoimmune diseases, thyroid disorders, and diabetes disproportionately affect women. Management of these conditions requires a gender-sensitive approach to healthcare. g. Social and Economic Determinants:Access to healthcare, education, and economic stability plays a significant role in women’s health. Gender-based violence, discrimination, and unequal access to resources can negatively impact health outcomes. In nutshell, women face unique health challenges, including hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy, and menopause, which require specific medical attention. Common health concerns include cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, osteoporosis, and mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. Access to regular healthcare, education on health practices, and a balanced lifestyle are essential for maintaining good health. Addressing these factors through public health initiatives and policy is vital for improving overall health and well-being for women.
Causes of poor health
Poor health among women can be attributed to a combination of biological, social, economic, and cultural factors: a. Limited Access to Healthcare:Geographical Barriers: Women in rural or remote areas may lack access to healthcare facilities, leading to inadequate medical care.Economic Barriers: Poverty can limit access to necessary healthcare services, medications, and nutrition, affecting overall health.Lack of Insurance: Inadequate health insurance coverage can result in delayed or neglected medical treatment. b. Gender Inequality:Discrimination: Gender-based discrimination in healthcare can lead to women receiving lower-quality care or being dismissed by healthcare providers.Domestic Violence: Gender-based violence, including domestic abuse, contributes to physical injuries, mental health issues, and long-term health problems.Reproductive Rights: In some regions, women may lack control over their reproductive health due to restrictive laws, cultural practices, or limited access to contraception and abortion services. c. Nutritional Deficiencies:Malnutrition: Women, particularly in developing countries, often face nutritional deficiencies due to poverty, cultural practices, or food insecurity.Iron Deficiency Anemia: A common issue among women of reproductive age due to menstruation, poor diet, and lack of access to healthcare. d. Cultural and Societal Norms:Son Preference: In some cultures, preference for male children can lead to neglect of girls’ health and nutrition.Early Marriage and Childbearing: Early marriage can result in young girls experiencing pregnancy and childbirth before their bodies are fully developed, leading to complications such as maternal mortality and poor health. e. Workload and Stress:Double Burden: Women often face the double burden of work and caregiving responsibilities, leading to chronic stress, fatigue, and associated health issues.Occupational Hazards: Women working in informal sectors or in low-paying jobs may face unsafe working conditions, contributing to poor health. f. Environmental Factors:Exposure to Pollutants: Women, especially in low-income areas, may be exposed to environmental hazards such as air pollution, unsafe drinking water, and toxic substances, increasing the risk of respiratory and other diseases.Poor Living Conditions: Overcrowded housing, lack of sanitation, and inadequate access to clean water contribute to the spread of infectious diseases. g. Mental Health Issues:Depression and Anxiety: Women are more prone to mental health issues due to hormonal changes, societal pressures, and gender-based violence.Stigma: Stigma surrounding mental health may prevent women from seeking help, leading to untreated conditions.
Schemes for improvement
There are several government and non-government schemes aimed at improving the physical and mental health of women which include: a. Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY): Objective: To provide financial aid to pregnant and lactating women for their first live birth.Benefits: A cash incentive of ?5,000 is provided to women for their nutritional and health needs during pregnancy and after childbirth, to improve maternal and child health. b. Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY): Objective: To reduce maternal and neonatal mortality by promoting institutional deliveries among poor pregnant women.Benefits: Cash assistance is provided to pregnant women for giving birth in a health facility, and the scheme also includes provisions for antenatal and postnatal care. c. Mission Indradhanush: Objective: To ensure full immunization coverage for children and pregnant women.Benefits: Provides vaccines for preventable diseases to pregnant women and children under two years, improving maternal and child health outcomes. d. Sakhi – One Stop Centres: Objective: To provide integrated services to women affected by violence, including medical, legal, psychological, and counselling support.Benefits:Centres offer 24/7 services to women facing physical, mental, and emotional trauma, ensuring they receive the necessary care and support. e. Rashtriya Mahila Kosh (RMK): Objective: To provide microfinance services to empower women economically, leading to improved mental and physical well-being.Benefits: Offers credit to women from disadvantaged sections to start small businesses, thereby reducing poverty and improving their health by increasing financial stability. f. Mental Health Care Act, 2017: Objective: To provide rights-based mental healthcare to every citizen, ensuring access to mental health services.Benefits: Ensures that women have access to mental health services without discrimination, with a focus on treating mental disorders and reducing stigma.
g. Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY): Objective: To provide health insurance coverage to economically disadvantaged individuals, including women.Benefits: Women can access secondary and tertiary healthcare services, including treatment for chronic and critical illnesses, which improves their overall health outcomes. h. Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM): Objective: To reduce poverty and vulnerability by enabling access to self-employment and skilled wage employment opportunities for women.Benefits: Enhances the socio-economic status of women, indirectly improving their physical and mental health by providing financial security. These schemes collectively address various aspects of women’s health, contributing to the overall well-being of women across the country.
(The writer is a youth motivator)
