Perception of mental health problems and coping strategies among rural women living in vidarbha region

Abstract

Background: Mental Health of women is the most neglected area worldwide. In India due to poverty, unemployment, low level of education contributes to the inferior status of women in homes and in society. In addition, the introvert culture in many parts restricts the women any access to the health services leave along the mental health services. Under the circumstances the investigator seeks to do an in-depth study on, how the rural women are experiencing mental health problems and their coping strategies. Aim:To evaluate the perception of mental health problems and coping strategies practiced by rural women of the Vidarbha region. Research Design: Qualitative study Participants: Rural women above 18 years. Setting of the study: Two villages namely, Mohi and Ghorad; of Vidarbha region in Maharashtra state of Central India. Results: Married women had common somatic complaints like sleeping disorders, headache, chest pain, tiredness, and giddiness etc. not related to physical efforts. They were using certain maladaptive coping strategies like physically abusing their children, tobacco addiction and forcing their children for school dropout. Among the unmarried women, poor academic performance, school dropouts and peer and family pressure for early marriage were the major issues for mental distress leading to helplessness, and inadequate knowledge. Conclusion: The rural women perceive and attribute mental health problems to physical exertion and factors like lack of mental health care services. Hence a targeted intervention is needed to bring awareness among women of rural Vidarbha for promoting mental health and well-defined scientific coping strategies.