Women Of Low Status Research Articles

India grapples with its child marriage challenge

India grapples with its child marriage challenge

Mental health services in Ethiopia: Emerging public health issue

Examine the mental health issues in Ethiopia in relation to services offered in this direction. Retrospective. Results of the 2005 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey and other secondary data sources were explore dimensions of to understand the mental health issues. The average prevalence of mental disorders in Ethiopia was 18 % for adults and 15% for children. People are now more than ever aware of the importance of mental health. Families now do not need much agitation to seek medical help for their mentally ill members. Unfortunately, the mental health services are available only in Addis Ababa the capital city of Ethiopia. By consequence, a large number of the adolescent is homeless, and lives on the street. Low status of women in Ethiopia underpins and often directly undermines utilization of reproductive health services. Even though, the policy makers or research managers are giving more importance to the reproductive health issues. But, mental health services are emerging issues which determines the development goals of the country. A critical requirement for the mental health promotion is to have information, increase mental health services, trained skilled workers, education and self-confidence to access available services. The key policy rapid actions needed.

Socioeconomic determinants of age at marriage in Malawi

Although age at first marriage has important demographic and health consequences for any population, no systematic analysis of changes in the timing of marriage has been conducted in Malawi. The purpose of this study is to identify factors affecting age at marriage among women in Malawi. This study used data obtained from 2000 and 2004 for Malawi Demographic and Health surveys. Univariate, bivariate and logistic regressions were employed to examine the relationship between age at marriage and selected background variables. Marriage in Malawi takes place early: nearly 70% of the respondents were married before the age of 18 years and the mean age at first marriage is 17.4 years. Age at marriage varies by age, region, rural-urban residence, religion, ethnicity and wealth. Early marriage and consequent early childbearing are related to high fertility, low status of women and adverse health risks for both the mother and child. The findings from logistics regressions indicate that age, region and education are the most important determinants of age at marriage in Malawi. The policy implications of the results are discussed. Key words: Age at marriage, socio-economic, determinants, Malawi.

Gender inequality and the spread of HIV‐AIDS in India

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to analyze the low status of women as being a major contributor for the observed gender inequality in the spread of HIV/AIDS in India.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses data from National Aids Control Organization, National Family Health Survey, and the Directorate of Economics and Statistics.FindingsThis study highlights the problems facing women in deterring the spread of HIV/AIDS in India. The status and empowerment of women are important variables in combating the disease among both men and women in India. Literacy, education, exposure to the media, labor market participation, awareness of HIV/AIDS, and economic independence are important considerations in improving the status of women in India. Policymakers need to focus on gender inequality in order to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS in India.Originality/valueWhile absolute figures indicate men are more likely to be infected with HIV/AIDS, the rate of decline is higher for men compared to women in India. We explore several plausible explanations for such observed inequality in the spread of HIV/AIDS across gender. In particular, a potentially important factor – the low status of women in society is attributable as an impediment to the spread of the disease. A case study of the relationship between gender empowerment and the spread of HIV/AIDS in the state with the highest concentration, Manipur, provides more insight to the difficulties faced by women in combating HIV/AIDS in India.

Obstetric Fistula in Low and Middle Income Countries

Vesicovaginal fistula secondary to obstructed labor continues to be an all-too-common occurrence in underdeveloped nations throughout Africa and Asia. Vesicovaginal fistula remains largely an overlooked problem in developing nations as it affects the most marginalized members of society: young, poor, illiterate women who live in remote areas. The formation of obstetric fistula is a result of complex interactions of social, biologic, and economic influences. The key underlying causes of fistula are the combination of a lack of functional emergency obstetric care, poverty, illiteracy, and low status of women. In order to prevent fistula, some strategies include creation of governmental policy aimed toward reducing maternal mortality/morbidity and increasing availability of skilled obstetric care, as well as attempts to increase awareness about its prevention and treatment among policymakers, service providers, and communities. Whereas prevention will require the widespread development of infrastructure within these developing countries, treatment of fistula is an act which can be done "in the now." Treatment and subsequent reintegration of fistula patients requires a team of specialists including surgeons, nurses, midwives, and social workers, which is largely unavailable in developing countries. However, there is increasing support for training of fistula surgeons through standardized programs as well as establishment of rehabilitation centers in many nations. The eradication of fistula is dependent upon building programs that target both prevention and treatment.

Multisectorial Afghan Perspectives on Girl Child Marriage

The objective of this study was to identify Afghan perspectives on the causes of and potential solutions to child and forced marriage in the country. Open-ended interviews (N = 102 interviews) were conducted with religious leaders, police, teachers, and nongovernmental organizations (NGO) and government officials in Kabul, Jalalabad, and Mazar. Informants reported recognition of the poor social and health consequences of these practices for mothers and infants, citing poverty, tradition, conflict-related insecurity, low status of women, and ignorance of religious and civil laws as causes of these practices. Recommended solutions centered on child marriage prevention; most informants felt little can be done for married girls.

Abortion and contraceptive use in sub-Saharan Africa: how women plan their families.

Based on available evidence, this review article posits that contemporary use of abortion in sub-Saharan Africa often substitutes for and sometimes surpasses modern contraceptive practice. Some studies and some data sets indicate that this occurs not only among adolescents but also within older age groups. In several sub-Saharan cities, particularly where contraceptive use is low and access to clinical abortion is high (though largely illegal), abortion appears to be the method of choice for limiting or spacing births. Even in rural areas, women may regularly resort to abortion, often using extremely unsafe procedures, instead of contraception. Available data seem to indicate that relatively high levels of abortion correlate with low access to modern contraception, low status of women, strong sanctions against out-of-wedlock pregnancy, traditional tolerance of abortion, and availability of modern abortion practices. Abortion has been and will likely continue to be used to plan families within much of sub-Saharan Africa.

Status of Women and Fertility in Pakistan

As argued, low status of women is associated with high fertility. Yet, it is the most neglected area in fertility studies because of measurement complications. The concept itself needs clarification since there is no universal definition. Despite these complications, utilizing fourteen theory driven indicators, this study attempts to measure the status of women in Pakistan and examines its relationship with fertility. Structural Equation Models are used to measure status and Path Models to examine its association with fertility. The results confirm a negative association between status of women and fertility in Pakistan.

Social Identities as Predictors of Women’s Sexual Satisfaction and Sexual Activity

While much research has examined sexual problems and dysfunction, far less research has examined intersections between sexual satisfaction and sexual activity, particularly as it relates to social identities. This study utilized secondary analysis of 1,473 women from the National Health and Social Life Survey to examine the way sexual satisfaction and sexual activity are at times misaligned. Using factor and cluster analyses, four groups of women defined by being high or low on satisfaction and activity were predicted by nine demographic variables, including socioeconomic class, racial/ethnic identity, age, marital status, education, sexual identity, geographical "coming of age" location, employment status, and number of children. Results showed that lower status women (women of color, working-class women, younger women, less educated women, women who worked full-time) reported low satisfaction and high activity. Women who reported high satisfaction and low activity represented the largest cluster of women, indicating that more women reported a disjuncture between satisfaction and activity than did those reporting a match between satisfaction and activity. Implications for clinical, sexuality, and social identity literatures are discussed.

The Facets of Empowerment in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy for Lower-Status Married Women in Taiwan: An Exploratory Study

Empowerment is an essential component of therapy. Since SFBT is an empowerment approach, it is vital to explore what kinds of facets of empowerment are generated from SFBT sessions. Nine low-status married women in Taiwan participated as clients in this study. The researcher coded and compared the rates of 20 facets of empowerment from 32 verbatim counseling transcripts of clients' statements. The study uncovered two main findings: (a) the assertive, self-discovering, goal-directed, competent, and interdependent facets were the highest rated facets of empowerment in all the SFBT sessions; and (b) between “1 Session Group” and “4–10 Sessions Group,” significant differences emerged regarding 7 facets of empowerment and these two groups. A comparison between SFBT and feminist approach and discussion about cultural factors were presented. Finally, a case example demonstrates how SFBT sessions can generate high levels of specific facets of empowerment.

Maternal Mortality-reduction Programme in Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh, a large state in southern India, has a high maternal mortality ratio of 195 per 100,000 livebirths despite the improvements in social, demographic and health indicators over the last two decades. This contrary situation has been analyzed using findings of different studies on maternal mortality, and four factors have been presented for consistently-high maternal mortality in the state. First, the disproportionately-high focus on family planning towards population stabilization reduced the emphasis on maternal health in the peripheral hospitals, resulting in low use of these facilities for childbirths. Second, the growth of services in Primary Health Centres was not given adequate emphasis, resulting in the weakening of the peripheral health system. Third, there was little emphasis on developing a cadre of midwives who would have primarily focused on maternal health. Lastly, the low status of women in the state has hampered timely referral and access to services.

A Marginal Occupation? The Medieval Laundress and her Work

Drawing upon a wide range of primary sources, this article argues that a study of the medieval laundress can illuminate wider social attitudes to hygiene as well as to low status women. Having considered the many types of laundry workers active in England and northern France between c.1300 and 1550, it examines the techniques they used, as well as the hazards encountered through exposure to difficult conditions. Such factors, along with the freedom of movement enjoyed by many laundresses, often harmed their collective reputation. That responses to those who dealt with the community's dirty clothing were highly ambivalent is reflected in contemporary writing about laundresses, and in the measures taken to regulate them. Finally, we turn to remuneration. The sporadic survival of financial evidence means that our knowledge of wage rates remains impressionistic. But some laundry workers were surprisingly well rewarded. This confirms the value placed, in elite households at least, upon the cleanliness of personal linen.

Gender and leprosy: case studies in Indonesia, Nigeria, Nepal and Brazil

There appear to be regional differences in gender ratios of leprosy patients being diagnosed and treated. In Asian countries, more men than women are registered whilst in Africa female patients outnumber males. The Netherlands Leprosy Relief (NLR) therefore initiated research into factors underlying these regional gender differences. Between 1997 and 1999, leprosy control teams in Indonesia, Nigeria, Nepal and Brazil supported by social/public health scientists, conducted comparative exploratory research. They looked at three groups of potential explanatory factors: biological, socio-cultural/economic and service-related. The studies were partially quantitative (analysis of the records of patients who according to prescription could have completed treatment) and partially qualitative (interviews/focus group discussions with patients, their relatives, community members and health staff on perceptions of leprosy, its socio-economic consequences, treatment and cure). Biological factors appeared similar in the four countries: irrespective of the M/F ratio, more men than women were registered with multibacillary (MB) leprosy. Strong traditions, the low status of women, their limited mobility, illiteracy and poor knowledge of leprosy appeared to be important sociocultural factors explaining why women were under reporting. Yet, accessible, well reputed services augmented female participation and helped to diminish stigma, which in three out of the four societies seemed greater for women than for men. These positive effects could still be higher if the services would enhance community and patient education with active participation of patients and ex-patients themselves.

Knowledge and attitudes of medical students and interns with regard to female feticide

Sir, According to a recent report by UNICEF, up to 50 million girls and women are missing from India's population as a result of systematic gender discrimination.(1) The 2001 Census reported an adverse child sex ratio of 927.(2) The proliferation and abuse of advanced technology coupled with the low status of women has made the evil practice of female feticide common in middle and higher socio-economic households, especially in the Northern states.(3,4) However, in contrast to these observations, another study reveals that the age-old son-preference has slightly declined at the end of the twentieth century, and a substantial selective male feticide is also being committed annually along with larger selective female feticide.(5) If the doctors are willing to fight against this emerging concern, the problem could easily be curbed. This study was conducted to assess the perspectives of tomorrow's doctors on this issue. Study participants included 62 interns and 39 MBBS students in their seventh semester who were posted to the Department of Community Medicine of Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi. They were asked to complete a pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire that contained multiple choice questions pertaining to their knowledge and attitude toward female feticide. The data was entered using SPSS Version 13.0 software and analyzed by means of comparison of simple proportions. Out of 100 medical undergraduates, 57% were males and 43% were females. The mean age of students was 21.8 ± 0.6 years while the mean age of interns was 23.2 ± 0.8 years. Table 1 displays the participants' responses regarding the danger of female feticide and possible measures to curb this practice. It is important to note that less than a third of the participants were in favor of stricter punishment for the doctors involved in this practice. A significantly higher number of female participants were in favor of woman empowerment related strategies. Table 1 The dangers of female feticide and suggestions pertaining to steps to arrest the declining gender ratio The findings in our study underscore the need to sensitize tomorrow's doctors about the ethics related to the inappropriate and indiscriminate use of technology. This could be brought about by conducting regular workshops/Continuing Medical Education sessions (CMEs) and awareness campaigns in field practice areas of the department. Private practitioners should also be encouraged to participate in such programs. While the future doctors could join hands in efforts directed at improving the status of women in India, it is more urgent that they unite in curbing the threat posed by doctors involved in such practices and, most importantly, be sensitized enough so as to not get involved themselves.

Maternal autonomy is inversely related to child stunting in Andhra Pradesh, India

Child stunting, an outcome of chronic undernutrition, contributes to poor quality of life, morbidity and mortality. In South Asia, the low status of women is thought to be one of the primary determinants of undernutrition across the lifespan. Low female status can result in compromised health outcomes for women, which in turn are related to lower infant birthweight and may affect the quality of infant care and nutrition. Maternal autonomy (defined as a woman's personal power in the household and her ability to influence and change her environment) is likely an important factor influencing child care and ultimately infant and child health outcomes. To examine the relationship between maternal autonomy and child stunting in Andhra Pradesh, India, we analysed data from National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-2. We used cross-sectional demographic, health and anthropometric information for mothers and their oldest child <36 months (n = 821) from NFHS-2. The main explanatory variables of autonomy are presented by four dimensions - decision making, permission to travel, attitude towards domestic violence and financial autonomy - constructed using seven binary variables. Logistic regression models were used to test associations between indicators of female autonomy and the risk of having a stunted child. Women with higher autonomy {indicated by access to money [odds ratio (OR) = 0.731; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.546, 0.981] and freedom to choose to go to the market [OR = 0.593; 95% CI 0.376, 0.933]} were significantly less likely to have a stunted child, after controlling for household socio-economic status and mother's education. In this south Indian state, two dimensions of female autonomy have an independent effect on child growth, suggesting the need for interventions that increase women's financial and physical autonomy.

Are Londoners prepared for an emergency? A longitudinal study following the London bombings.

The UK government sees increasing individual preparedness as a priority, but the level of preparedness of people in the UK for a large-scale emergency is not known. The London bombings of July 7, 2005, affected many Londoners and may have altered their sense of vulnerability to a future terrorist attack. We used a longitudinal study design to assess individual preparedness within the same sample of Londoners at 2 points in time: immediately after the bombings (T(1)) and 7 to 8 months later (T(2)). A demographically representative sample of 1,010 Londoners participated in a phone interview at T(1). Subsequently, at T(2), 574 of the same people participated in a follow-up phone interview. At T(1) 51% of Londoners had made 4 or more relevant emergency plans; 48% had gathered 4 or more relevant supplies in case of emergency. There was evidence of increased preparedness at T(2), by which time 90% had made 4 or more emergency plans. Ethnicity, low social status, and having felt a sense of threat during the bombings predicted increased preparedness between T(1) and T(2). Women in general, and women of low social status in particular, perceived themselves to be unprepared in the event of a future terrorist attack. In summary, Londoners show moderate levels of emergency preparedness, which increased following the London bombings. Although we cannot know whether this association is causal, the prospective nature of the study increases the likelihood that it is. However, preparedness is still patchy, and there are important demographic associations with levels of preparedness and perception of vulnerability. These findings have implications for future development of individual and community emergency preparedness policy.

Rauchen in der Schwangerschaft: Verbreitung, Trend, Risikofaktoren

Knowledge of the risks of smoking during pregnancy induces only part of the pregnant women to give up smoking. How many pregnant women in Germany smoke from the beginning to delivery, and what characterises these smokers, is the topic of this article. Results from the German Mikrozensus, several national surveys, perinatal statistics and Euro-scip III are presented, compared, and assessed. Findings of our own studies conducted between 1999 and 2002 at the obstetric department and gynacological practices in Berlin allow an insight into the magnitude of "underreporting". In the ages 15-45 years 36-45 % of German women smoke, prevalence rates that probably are valid even for the beginning of pregnancy. While smoking prevalence in men has decreased during the last 20 years, there is an increasing trend in women. The prevalence is higher in pregnant women of low social status, living with smoking partners and those of German nationality. At most, half of the women give up smoking during pregnancy. Assuming an "underreporting" in pregnant women of at least one third, the prevalence of smoking up to delivery is 24 %. Although 76 % of the practicing gynacologists in Berlin feel responsible for smoking counselling, only 12 % are convinced that it is successful. A quarter of the pregnant women in Germany smoke through to delivery, which means that 150 000 newborns per year have been exposed to passive smoking in utero, and its long-term health effects, which is a national disaster.

An Attributional Perspective on Sexual Aggression in India

ABSTRACT This article reports the findings of programmatic research on attributions made by Indian participants with respect to hypothetical incidents of sexual aggression. The Indian research findings in the context of related research in Western countries, especially the judgmental variations obtained as a function of rapist-victim acquaintance and participant's gender, reflect the relatively low status of women and the patriarchal dominance of men in Indian society. Among other issues examined in the reviewed experiments were the rape victim's causal versus moral responsibility, the rapist-victim relationship, the gender-adversary perspective, and the ambiguity about victim's consent.

Study on knowledge, attitude and practices regarding gender preference and female feticide among pregnant women

Skewed sex ratio is an issue of major concern and has long-term social and demographic consequences. At the heart of the problem is the low status of women in society a patriarchal social framework and value system based on .son mania.. The problem is getting worse as scientific methods of detecting the sex of the foetus and for termination of pregnancy are improving. This seems to be fulfilling the long felt need of the people through female feticide. In this light the study of factors influencing sex ratio becomes very relevant for better understanding of the problem. (excerpt)

The Thai bhikkhuni movement and women's empowerment

This paper discusses the recent emergence of a movement in Thailand that aims to critique and transform patriarchal values supported by the Theravada Buddhist tradition by introducing female ordination (bhikkhuni ordination). The paper argues that there is a relationship between the low status of women in Thai Buddhism and the inferior status of women in Thai society. The introduction of female leadership roles in Thai Buddhism could play a role in balancing the gender hierarchies within the tradition as well as in society more broadly.