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  • Title: Egyptian researchers assess village women's health.
    Journal: Newsl Womens Glob Netw Reprod Rights; 1991; (36):20. PubMed ID: 12284527.
    Abstract:
    The conditions of women with reproductive tract infections and utilization of health care is briefly highlighted in the synopsis of an opening address at the Workshop on Reproductive Morbidity in Cairo, May 1991. An example of the poor health of women is described in the condition of Fatima, who after 9 children and a 2nd repair of her vagina was found a few days after discharge tending the fields and giving her share of food to her children. A survey was conducted to determine the number of women enduring pain and suffering and weakness as a normal routine in 2 villages in Giza. 509 women 20-60 years participated. Many had married at 19 years, and 80% were illiterate. Involvement increased throughout the duration of the study as evidence of the benefits of discussion became available. 90% participated by the end of the study. 50% of the women had reproductive tract infections with the discomfort of continuous discharge and itchiness, and 50% were anemic and weak and tired. Another insight revealed was that women were reluctant to use health services, even when there was a healthy facility with women doctors in the villages. 33% of women who had delivered within 2 years had not used prenatal care, and 75% delivered at home. Abdominal pain or heaviness below were not symptoms recognized as requiring a doctor's attention or medical care. It was suggested that the relationship between village women and health workers be improved by having workers respond more directly to the concerns of women themselves. It was important to establish mutual respect. A good rapport would facilitate openness to information the health worker might provide. Health and social workers were encouraged to act in ways to encourage use of available services; i.e., to ask about women's problems even when the visit pertains to the child. Agreement was reached that better training of medical student and health professionals was needed to provide more sensitive and responsive personnel in meeting the needs and perceptions of women.
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