Exclusive: Critical Health Challenges Faced By Indian Women That Affect The Quality Of Their Lives

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In India, women's health is influenced by a myriad of factors, including cultural norms, socio-economic disparities, and systemic barriers when it comes to accessing healthcare. With many women experiencing low levels of education and limited labor participation, their poor health not only affects them but also has significant repercussions on their families.

From maternal mortality to gender-based violence, these challenges highlight the need for comprehensive and gender-sensitive approaches to healthcare delivery and policy.

In an exclusive interview with Boldsky, Dr Aparna Patil, Consultant, Obstetrics and Gynecology at Kinder Hospital shares a range of critical health challenges that impact their overall well-being and quality of life.

Numerous studies have suggested that poor health in women often leads to the birth of low-weight infants, and recent trends indicate five key health concerns for women: reproductive health, nutritional status, HIV and sexually transmitted infections, violence against women, and mental health.

Reproductive Health

Regarding reproductive health, Dr. Patil highlights that it includes cancers and gynecological diseases, which can worsen during pregnancy. Breast, cervical, and ovarian cancers are the leading causes of death among women globally. Early detection increases the chances of a cure, and women over 40 should opt for annual screenings and discuss health issues with their doctors.

Gynecological problems such as menstrual irregularities, heavy bleeding, cramping, and fatigue can be linked to conditions like uterine fibroids, PCOD, and endometriosis. Awareness of symptoms and seeking medical help is essential to avoid risks and complications.

Dr. Patil points out that pregnancy complications, such as postpartum bleeding, repeated childbirths, inadequate spacing, and infections, are common issues. She stresses the urgent need to strengthen primary maternity care in India.

Nutritional Disorders

Nutritional disorders, particularly anemia and low hemoglobin levels, are prevalent among Indian women. These can be mitigated by adequate supplementation of iron, B12, and folic acid. Women are also more prone to psychiatric disorders during pregnancy and postpartum, with depression being common. Additionally, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia affect women more than men.

HIV And Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

Young women often bear the brunt of HIV and sexually transmitted diseases, struggling to protect themselves from these infections. Common infections include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, and HPV.

Violence Against Women

Violence against women is a major public health concern, with women being six times more likely to be abused and ten times more likely to be victims of sexual assault. Dr. Patil emphasizes that violence can have both short- and long-term physical and mental health impacts. It is crucial for health workers to be vigilant in preventing violence and supporting those experiencing it.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.